Post-tonsillectomy hemostasis: A prospective, randomized, double-blind study comparing argon beam coagulation and monopolar electrocoagulation

Background: Argon Beam Coagulation (ABC) enables effective hemostasis and limited penetration depth of the coagulation zone. Objective: This prospective, randomized, double-blind study compares ABC and monopolar electrocoagulation for post-tonsillectomy hemostasis. Methods: Fifty patients undergoing elective tonsillectomy were enrolled into the study. Final hemostasis was achieved using ABC in one fossa and electrocoagulation in the other fossa, with the sides chosen at random. Postoperative bleeding, postoperative pain and the healing of the tonsillar fossa were compared for both methods. Results: No differences in any of the outcome measures were found between the two methods. ABC was felt to be faster and more comfortable than monopolar electrocoagulation. Conclusion: ABC is an effective and comfortable method for post-tonsillectomy hemostasis.