A high-throughput tonsillectomy pathway using the BiZact™ device: a prospective service evaluation.

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to evaluate outcomes of a high-throughput tonsillectomy pathway using the BiZact™ device and consider its applicability in National Health Service practice.

METHODS

A prospective service evaluation was undertaken in a UK teaching hospital (April-July 2023). Fifty consecutive patients underwent BiZact™ tonsillectomy across five morning lists. Data included demographics, operative time, blood loss, post-tonsillectomy haemorrhage, pain and satisfaction.

RESULTS

Fifty patients (15 male, 35 female; mean age 24.6 years) underwent surgery. Indications were recurrent tonsillitis (86 per cent), asymmetry (10 per cent) and tonsilloliths (4 per cent). Mean operative time was 5 minutes; blood loss less than 10 ml. No primary haemorrhage occurred. Secondary post-tonsillectomy haemorrhage occurred in 5/50 (10 per cent): 3/48 adults (6.3 per cent) and 2/2 adolescents; three required return to theatre. Of 33 patients completing follow-up, 70 per cent reported severe pain. Four (8 per cent) reattended for analgesia. Waiting time fell from ∼40 weeks to ∼two weeks.

CONCLUSION

BiZact™ enabled efficient list turnover but with higher post-tonsillectomy haemorrhage rates, likely reflecting a learning curve.