Avoiding oral burns during electrocautery tonsillectomy.

Electrocautery tonsillectomy is a common method of tonsil removal, and electrocautery devices are widely available. Although these devices are relatively safe, inadvertent patient injury may occur with their use, such as oral cavity burns. We describe a simple surgical technique that reduces the risk of oral burns during electrocautery tonsillectomy and review additional safety considerations.