Harmonic Scalpel versus Conventional Technique of Tonsillectomy- A Prospective Study

Tonsillectomy is the one of the most commonly performed surgical procedure in the department of otorhinolaryngology. There are different methods of tonsillectomy techniques used today with the aim of providing more comfort and less morbidity to patients. Postoperative bleeding and Pain are the most common complications. This study evaluated the Operative time, Intraoperative blood loss, Postoperative pain ,Hospital stay and Cost effectiveness of tonsillectomy performed by Harmonic scalpel as compared to Conventional dissection technique. This is a prospective randomized study where in fifty patients were divided into two groups of equal number. In one group, the tonsillectomy was performed by Harmonic scalpel and in the other group by Conventional dissection technique. Amount of blood loss is significantly reduced in the harmonic group. Total postoperative pain and operative time slightly higher for harmonic scalpel group. There is no significant difference in hospital stay and post operative complications. Harmonic scalpel tonsillectomy has shown to be useful, safe, easy and reliable method of performing tonsillectomy.