Evaluation of the Efficacy of 1940-nm Diode Laser in Tonsillectomy: Preliminary Report

Abstract

Background and ObjectivesThe aim of this clinical feasibility study was to assess preliminary results regarding postoperative outcomes of tonsillectomy using a laser system emitting at 1940 nm. Materials and MethodsThis clinical feasibility trial included six patients suffering from chronic tonsillitis. Tonsillectomy was performed using a 1940 nm laser with 6 W of output power. Intraoperative scoring was performed by a surgeon rating the cutting capacity of the device (5 point scale, 1-5), as well as intraoperative bleeding (3 point scale, 0-2). Patient surveys of pain and the surgeon's reports on postoperative changes in the surgical field (11 point scale, 0-10) were also analyzed on postoperative day one, and after week(s) one and two. ResultsNo complications were observed in patients. The surgeon's mean rating on the cutting capacity of the laser was 4.33 ± 1.96. Bleeding was almost absent, with a mean blood loss of 2.3 ml. Postoperative pain abruptly decreased after postoperative week one (4.83 ± 2.23, 3.33 ± 2.65, 1.17 ± 0.75 at postoperative day one, week one, and week two, respectively), with a statistically significant difference observed between postoperative day one and week two (p=0.008). Two patients required additional pain relief for five days after postoperative week one. Swelling had decreased significantly by postoperative week one (p=0.004), with a score of nearly 0 by postoperative week two. The mean scores for changes in scarring were 4.83 ± 0.40, 2.83 ± 1.21, and 1.67 ± 2.07 at postoperative day one, week one, and week two. ConclusionA 1940 nm laser demonstrated excellent intraoperative performances and postoperative outcomes in tonsillectomy. In addition, conduct of more large-scale and comparative studies is warranted in order to elucidate the efficacy of this laser treatment for tonsillectomy. Key words

Medical Applications of Diode Lasers: Pulsed versus Continuous Wave (cw) Regime

“…More recently, Lee et al [ 17 ] studied the efficacy of laser tonsillectomy using a 1940-nm laser working with a fluence of 12 W. The mean time for the procedure was 22.6 min and a notable reduction in pain at one week postoperative was elicited. Kang et al [ 18 ] applied DL radiation with wavelength 1940 nm for the treatment of nasal congestion due to hypertrophied nasal turbinates.…”