Results of radiofrequency tonsillotomy in adults with recurrent tonsillitis

Tonsil reduction by use of Radiofrequency waves is one of the newest therapeutic modalities, especially for obstructive large tonsils. The aim of this study was comparing short term and long term results of radiofrequency tonsillotomy and traditional cold dissection tonsillectomy in adult patients with recurrent tonsillitis.

a prospective randomized clinical trial on 72 adults with recurrent tonsillitis was performed in a tertiary referral university hospital. Traditional tonsillectomy in 34 cases and radiofrequency tonsillectomy (RF) by use of RFITT (Radiofrequency Induced Thermotherapy) probes in 38 cases were performed under general anesthesia. Time of surgery, amount of intraoperative bleeding, recovery time, post-surgical pain, dysphagia, weight loss, and time of return to normal diet and activity were measured. All the patients were followed for 24 months for recurrence of tonsillitis episodes. Statistical analysis was performed by use of SPSS version 16 software and X2 and Mann-Whitney U tests.

Mean time of surgery(16.89 vs. 46.07 minutes) and recovery(14.32 min vs. 17.11 min), and amount of intraoperative bleeding(15-20 cc vs. 250- 300cc) were significantly less in the RF group compared to traditional tonsillectomy group (P<0.005). There was no difference among two groups in the recurrence of tonsillitis episodes after 24 months.

Tonsillotomy with RF is a simple, rapid, and effective method in adult patients with recurrent tonsillitis.