Tonsillectomy using the Ligasure vessel sealing system. A preliminary report.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate and introduce a new method of tonsillectomy with the use of Ligasure vessel sealing system (LVSS) in pediatric population.

METHOD: A prospective study was conducted on children undergoing tonsillectomy with the use of LVSS. Indications included chronic tonsillitis, peritonsilar abscess history, and obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. Patients undergoing adenoidectomy, or any procedure together with tonsillectomy, and patients with bleeding disorders were excluded. Among the available head-pieces, the 'Precise' instrument was used, both as haemostatic and dissection tool. Intraoperative bleeding, operative time, and complication rates, were evaluated.

RESULTS

Our series consisted of 83 children among 103 patients undergone LVSS tonsillectomy. There was no measurable bleeding during surgery in any of the cases. In 18 children limited peritonsilar edema was noticed. No postoperative hemorrhage or other complication occurred. Mean operative time was 16 min.

CONCLUSIONS

LVSS was found quite effective and safe, providing sufficient haemostasis, minimal intraoperative blood loss, and safety against the variant Creutzfeld-Jakob disease transmission.