Laser tonsillotomy versus tonsillectomy - an attempt to assess the current situation

Laser tonsillotomy (LTT) represents a useful, less invasive alternative to tonsillectomy as a treatment for symptomatic tonsillar hyperplasia in children, and is associated with greatly reduced risks. The main characteristics that distinguish this procedure from tonsillectomy are a significantly reduced risk of secondary bleeding, a shorter recovery, reduced pain and the fact that it can be performed on an out-patient basis. An additional benefit is constituted by the fact that the procedure does not remove the tonsillar parenchyma, which may still be immunocompetent. LTT is not indicated in cases of chronic tonsillitis with recurrent episodes of angina tonsillaris.