Coblation is one of the more recent techniques for tonsillectomy; however, it remains unclear whether it exhibits any benefit or increased risk when compared to other techniques. This review provides an updated assessment of coblation tonsillectomy and how it compares to other tonsillectomy techniques. Systematic review and descriptive analysis of published literature. Electronic searches of MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science and the Cochrane Database were performed. We included all randomized control trials comparing coblation tonsillectomy (not 'tonsillotomy') with any other tonsillectomy technique. Studies were excluded if tonsils, rather than individuals, were randomized. 16 eligible studies were identified, including a total of 567 patients, both adults and children. Coblation was compared with a variety of other tonsillectomy techniques. Outcomes included pain, primary and secondary haemorrhage, intraoperative bleeding and operation time. Postoperative pain was the primary outcome in most studies. There was a trend towards less pain in the coblation group in seven of the included studies. More recent studies appeared to fare more favourably in terms of pain outcomes and operating time. The coblation technique appears to be comparable with other commonly employed techniques for tonsillectomy; however, there is still no strong evidence to suggest that it possesses any definitive benefits. Findings would advocate further work being done through carefully designed randomised control trials, which compare coblation with cold dissection as the 'gold standard' and place an emphasis on reducing the amount of adjuvant electrocautery used so as to maximise the benefits of coblation and the lower temperature it generates.

Pharyngocele is defined as "lateral pharyngeal wall herniation located in the piriform recess or at the valleculae" and was first described in 1886. The phenomenon is rare. It is characterised by bulging of the pharynx locally and is associated with recurrent increase in intrapharyngeal pressure, reduced muscle resilience, and increasing age. The case describes a 51-year-old recreational trumpeter with bilateral pharyngoceles that demonstrated when blowing into his instrument, reminiscent of a "bullfrog." Differential diagnosis included "Zenker's diverticulum", (pharyngeal pouch), laryngocele, and jugular venous phlebectasia, which may be confirmed through clinical examination and investigation. The report includes remarkable images seen on examination and images of the swelling seen with plain film radiography, barium swallow, and computed tomography. We discuss the management options available, including repair and excision of the pouch, either as an open procedure or endoscopically, and explore the conservative measures as a basis in the management of even significant pharyngoceles.

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