Abstract: Objective To study the efficacy of coblation, ultrasonic knife operation, and conventional tonsillectomy in patients in a 2-year postoperative follow-up. Methods With respect to the above-mentioned three types of operation methods, 86 patients were followed up for 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years after tonsillectomy, respectively. The postoperative tonsil residue size and mucosal inflammation, pharyngeal symptoms by assessing self-made questionnaire responses, and satisfaction information were evaluated. Result Upon 1- and 2-year postoperative follow-ups, the “superior pole of the tonsil residue” scores in the coblation and conventional groups were significantly lower than those in the ultrasonic knife operation group; and “pole of the tonsil residue” scores in the coblation and ultrasonic knife operation groups were also significantly lower than those in the conventional group. Upon 6-month postoperative follow-up, the scores of “dry pharynx” in the coblation and ultrasonic knife operation groups were more statistically significant than those in the conventional group. Upon 2-year postoperative follow-up, “satisfaction of information” scores in the coblation and ultrasonic knife groups were significantly higher than those in the conventional group, and “paresthesia pharynges” scores in the conventional group were more significant than those in the other groups. In addition, there were no significant differences among the three groups in the incidence rates of dry pharynx, mucosal inflammation, pharyngeal symptoms, sore throat, and lower respiratory tract infections upon 1- and 2-year postoperative follow-ups(P>0.05). Conclusion Compared with traditional methods, coblation has advantages related to a low incidence of postoperative tonsillar residue. By using coblation, postoperative dry pharynx symptoms are more likely to occur in a short time, throat discomfort symptoms are mild in the mid- to long-term, and the degree of patient satisfaction is high. Ultrasonic knife operations have similar advantages as coblation, but surgeons should pay more attention to the superior poles of the tonsils during operation and prevent tonsil residues.

Key words: Coblation, Sonication, Tonsillectomy, Follow-up