Study of Outcome of Coblation Assisted Versus Dissection and Snare Technique of Tonsillectomy

Background: Tonsillectomy is a common surgical procedure in otolaryngology, yet it is often associated with significant postoperative morbidity. The cold dissection and snare method is widely used, while coblation-assisted tonsillectomy has emerged as a promising alternative due to its minimal thermal injury and faster recovery. This study aimed to compare the efficacy and outcomes of coblation versus cold dissection and snare tonsillectomy techniques. Methods: This prospective observational study was conducted on 55 patients undergoing tonsillectomy at a tertiary care center from June 2023 to December 2024. Patients were divided into two groups: Group A (cold dissection and snare, n=28) and Group B (coblation-assisted, n=27). Operative time, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative pain (VAS score), healing of the tonsillar bed, and surgeon satisfaction were assessed and statistically analyzed. Results: Coblation tonsillectomy significantly reduced operative time (19.854.03 min vs. 37.825.73 min; p<0.001) and blood loss (8.811.59 mL vs. 100.757.99 mL; p<0.001) compared to cold dissection. Postoperative pain was significantly lower in the coblation group on day 1 (VAS 4.48 vs. 7.82) and day 7 (VAS 2.0 vs. 4.57) (p<0.05). Healing was faster with coblation, with complete resolution of slough by day 28 in 100% of patients, compared to 78.6% in the cold dissection group. Complication rates and surgeon satisfaction also favored the coblation technique. Conclusions: Coblation tonsillectomy offers superior clinical outcomes over the cold dissection method, including reduced operative time, blood loss, pain, and enhanced healing. It presents a safer, more efficient, and patient-friendly surgical alternative.