Intracapsular tonsillectomy: setting a new standard

Abstract

Purpose of review Tonsillectomy is one of the most common surgical procedures performed on children in the United States. Since 2002, the intracapsular technique has been studied as a safer and less painful alternative to total tonsillectomy. Concerns have been raised, however, as to the potential for regrowth and long-term outcomes regarding this technique. Recent findings Studies support the use of intracapsular tonsillectomy in the management of sleep disordered breathing, including in syndromic populations, as well as for tonsillitis. In addition, safety profiles continue to be improved over that of extracapsular dissection. While the incidence of regrowth ranges depending on the study and duration of follow up, it remains acceptably low. The most consistent independent risk factor for revision surgery includes young age. Summary While total tonsillectomy is more thoroughly studied historically, an important absence in the literature is a definitive superiority over the intracapsular technique. With continued high-level studies, as well as additional examination of long-term outcomes, we should continue to see greater acceptance of intracapsular tonsillectomy as a standard of practice in a vulnerable population.

Impact of Low-Temperature Plasma Radiofrequency Tonsillectomy on Pain, Inflammatory Markers, and Sleep Quality in Adults with Chronic Tonsillitis

“…This condition significantly Traditional tonsillectomy, one of the conventional treatments for adult CT, involves the removal of tonsillar tissues through surgery to alleviate inflammation and associated symptoms [20]. While effective in many cases, this method requires general anesthesia, involves considerable postoperative pain, and has a prolonged recovery period, leading to potential complications [21]. In recent years, plasma radiofrequency tonsillectomy has emerged as a novel treatment method.…”