Pediatric tonsillectomy with bipolar electrosurgical scissors

Purpose: The optimal technique for pediatric tonsillectomy remains a hotly debated topic. The speed and superior hemostatic properties of electrosurgical dissection must be weighed against the greater tissue preservation and more rapid healing of cold dissection techniques. Materials and Methods: We have used a new surgical device, bipolar electrosurgical scissors, in 30 consecutive pediatric tonsillectomies. This instrument provides mechanical cutting with or without simultaneous bipolar electrocoagulation. Results: The average surgical time was 6 minutes. There was no intraoperative blood loss. There were no immediate or late post-tonsillectomy hemorrhages. All tonsillar fossae were completely healed at 2-week follow-up. Conclusion: Bipolar electrosurgical scissors provide the best properties of both cold dissection and electrosurgical tonsillectomy without increasing surgical time or cost. Copyright (C) 1998 by W.B. Saunders Company.