Abstract: Objective To evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of coblation, ultrasonic knife and conventional approach in tonsillectomy. Methods A total of 117 cases in need of tonsillectomy were collected and divided into 3 groups: coblation tonsillectomy group(group A, n=39), ultrasound knife tonsillectomy group(group B, n=39)and the traditional tonsillectomy group(group C, n=39). The operation time, blood loss, postoperative sore throat situation, postoperative primary and secondary bleeding and so on were recorded and compared. Results The operation time was shorter, and intraoperative blood loss was less in group A and B than in group C(P<0.05). The operation time in group A ［(9.92±4.04)min］ was shorter than that ［(15.86±1.36)min］ in group B,(P<0.05). There was no difference in intraoperative blood loss between group A and B(P>0.05). The degree of the pain in the first three days after surgery in group A and in group B was significantly lower than that in group C(P<0.05), but no statistically significant differences were observed after three days(P>0.05). Postoperative throat pain in group A was lighter than that in group B, but there was no significant difference(P>0.05). Postoperative primary hemorrhage occurred in 1 case in group A and C, while secondary hemorrhage occurred in 1, 1 and 2 cases in group A, B and C, respectively. There was no significant difference in the time of pseudo-membrane defulvium among the three groups(P>0.05). Pharyngeal edema score 24 hours after operation in group A and group B was significantly lower than in group C(P<0.05), but there was no statistically significant difference between group A and group B(P>0.05). Conclusion Coblation tonsillectomy is the more safe and effective method, but its cost is relatively high. It is suitable for patients with good economic conditions and high quality of life. Ultrasonic knife tonsillectomy is suggested to be appropriate for patients with adhesive tonsillitis of long duration.

Key words: Tonsillectomy, Sonication, Coblation