Laser Assisted Partial Adenotonsillectomy in Children

Choi, Jong Ouck; Park, Chan; Lee, Seung Hoon; Kim, Young Ho; Lim, Jae Shin; Choi, Geon

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: In children, adenotonsillectomy is performed for treating recurrent tonsillitis, mouth breathing and sleep disorder. However, there are some complications associated with the complete removal of the tonsil and adenoid. The conventional method involving dissection and snare techniques used for adenotonsillectomy has been the subject of debate over its indications and appropriate time for surgery, since it removes most of the tonsil tissues and may have destructive effect on the local defense mechanism. The aim of this study was to analyze the results of laser assisted partial adenotonsillectomy by using KTP-532 laser to preserve minimal amount of tonsil tissue needed for the local defense mechanism.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Sixty cases of laser assisted partial adenotonsillectomy, and sixty cases of conventional adenotonsillectomy with dissection and snare techniques were examined.
RESULTS
There were no differences regarding the recurrence rate, improvement of symptoms, and degree of postoperative pain between the laser partial adenotonsillectomy group and the conventional groups. There were less incidence of preoperative bleeding and postoperative scar formation in the laser partial adenotonsillectomy.
CONCLUSION
Compared to the conventional method, the laser assisted partial adenotonsillectomy has a similar incidence of postoperative result but a low incidence of preoperative complications such as bleeding. It also preserves minimal tonsil tissues responsible for local defense mechanism. We suggest that the laser assisted partial adenotonsillectomy is an attractive surgical method in children.