Radiofrequency Versus Electrocautery in Pediatric Tonsillectomy: A Double-Blind, Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

To compare radiofrequency and electrocauterization in reducing the degree of postoperative pain in pediatric patients undergoing tonsillectomy. A double-blind, parallel-group, randomized controlled trial. Pediatric patients with indications for tonsillectomy were randomized to receive either tonsillectomy with radiofrequency or electrocautery. Also recorded were intraoperative blood loss, duration of the surgery, length of hospital stays, and complications from the surgery. Forty pediatric patients participated in the study; 20 were randomized to each group. The participants’ ages ranged from 3 to 14 years old, and 65% were male. The overall postoperative pain scale score during the early postoperative period was lower in the radiofrequency group compared to the electrocautery group (mean difference − 1.37 (95%CI − 1.72, − 0.12); p < 0.001). Also, the mean pain scale scores at 6 h, 1, and 2 days were significantly lower in the radiofrequency group. Intraoperative blood loss and length of hospital stay in the radiofrequency group were also significantly lower than in the electrocautery group, whereas the duration of the surgery and complication rate were not different between the two groups. Pediatric tonsillectomy using radiofrequency ablation could reduce the severity of early postoperative pain, intraoperative blood loss, and length of hospital stay compared to tonsillectomy with electrocautery. Therefore, tonsillectomy with radiofrequency may be considered a safe and effective operative option. Trial registration Thai Clinical Trials Registry (TCTR-20210303007), 03-March-2021. © 2021, Association of Otolaryngologists of India.