Laser Tonsillotomy: Long-term results with 10-years follow-up

Introduction:

Tonsillotomy is increasingly gaining acceptance as the treatment for tonsillar hyperplasia resulting in obstructive symptoms. The aim of this study was to examine the long-term results of CO2 laser tonsillotomy.

Material and Methods:

The data of 28 children treated in the Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, in Homburg/Saar, Germany, by means of CO2 laser for tonsillar hyperplasia between June 2004 and December 2004 were available for analysis.

Results:

The mean operation time was 23 minutes (range 13 – 32 min). 19 of the 28 patients (67.8%) could be contacted and were available for follow-up in a telephone survey conducted 10 years after surgery. No case of intra- or postoperative bleeding was documented. During the minimum 10 years of follow-up no surgical revision was needed. Regarding the parents' assessment of their children's symptoms, 89.4% of the parents reported that the overall long-term operation results of their children were "very satisfying".

Conclusions:

CO2 laser tonsillotomy is a safe procedure leading to very satisfying long-term results.

Publication History

Publication Date:
18 April 2018 (online)