Tonsillectomy using the thermal welding system.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate and introduce a new method of tonsillectomy using the Thermal Welding System (TWS). METHOD The TWS is a new surgical instrument which uses direct heat and pressure to seal and divide tissues. Fifty consecutive patients underwent tonsillectomy with the use of the TWS. Inclusion criteria were chronic tonsillitis, peritonsilar abscess history and obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. Patients undergoing adenoidectomy or any other procedure together with tonsillectomy and patients with bleeding disorders were excluded. Intraoperative bleeding, operative time, complication rates and return to normal diet were evaluated. RESULTS There was no measurable bleeding during surgery in any case. No postoperative hemorrhage or other complication occurred. Mean operative time was 23 min. Mean time for return to normal diet was 8.7 days. CONCLUSIONS The TWS was found quite effective and safe, providing sufficient hemostasis and minimal intraoperative blood loss.