Bipolar scissor tonsillectomy

Abstract

We describe a new technique for tonsillectomy using dual-function scissors that cut and bipolar coagulate at the same time. The technique shortens operating time and decreases intra-operative blood loss. Forty patients had their tonsillectomy performed using this technique. The mean operating time was 5.5 min (SD 2.1) and mean blood loss was 1.3 ml (SD 3.6). All patients were able to eat and drink on the same postoperative day and all were discharged the following morning. None of the patients had primary haemorrhages and two patients (5%) had minor secondary haemorrhages. We found bipolar scissor tonsillectomy to be a safe technique that shortens surgery and minimises blood loss without causing increased postoperative morbidity.