DIATHERMY HEMOSTASIS AT TONSILLECTOMY - CURRENT PRACTICE - A SURVEY OF UK OTOLARYNGOLOGISTS

The use of diathermy in achieving haemostasis at tonsillectomy was assessed by means of a postal questionnaire sent to consultant otolaryngologists practising in the U.K. A response of 81 per cent was obtained. Forty-four per cent presently use diathermy. Few considered the age of the patient or a history of a quinsy a contraindication to its use. The diathermy experience of users and non-users with regard to speed, postoperative pain and haemorrhage differs markedly. This dichotomy of opinion is confirmed by a review of the literature. Clearly there is a need for further studies to clarify the role of diathermy in tonsillectomy. © 1990, JLO (1984) Limited. All rights reserved.