Dr.K.O.Paulose FRCS DLO, Consultant ENT Surgeon, Jubilee Hospital, Trivandrum, Kerala, India.
The unique properties of Coblation technology enable rapid and controlled removal of tissue at relatively low temperatures (typically 40º-70ºC) while maintaining the integrity of surrounding tissue or structures.
Unlike traditional tonsillectomy procedures, which remove tonsils using electrocautery, coblation is advanced technology that combines gentle radiofrequency energy in a saline field to safely and quickly remove the tonsils. Because electrocautery procedures use high levels of heat to remove the tonsils, damage to surrounding healthy tissue is not uncommon. Since coblation does not remove tonsils by heating or burning, healthy tissue surrounding the tonsils is left intact. Thus, experience has demonstrated that the use of coblation results in significantly less postoperative discomfort and a more rapid recovery.
Coblation tonsillectomy is generally a 30- to 45-minute outpatient procedure, performed in the operating room under general anesthesia. Most patients stay in the hospital for a day.Coblation tonsillectomy is an excellent alternative that offers a rapid recovery and less postoperative pain, with most patients resuming a normal diet and activities sooner than with electrocautery tonsillectomy.
