Microdebrider Intracapsular Tonsillectomy

Abstract

With a continued desire to reduce the morbidity of tonsil surgery, otolaryngologists have begun to use powered microdebriders to perform partial intracapsular tonsillectomies. This technique has an advantage over conventional tonsillectomy of leaving a biological dressing or residual tonsillar tissue and capsule to protect the underlying musculature with its vessels and nerves. The literature has shown that partial intracapsular tonsillectomy is equally effective at relieving patient’s symptoms of obstruction when compared to conventional tonsillectomy and that it appears to reduce the complications of postoperative pain, dehydration, and bleeding. Patients are able to return to normal activity and diet faster as the healing process is accelerated. This article reviews the published data on microdebrider-assisted partial intracapsular tonsillectomy with a discussion of its advantages, potential limitations and areas of future research.

The safety and efficacy of powered intracapsular tonsillectomy in children: A meta‐analysis

“…Considering that there were reduced AHI score, and symptomatic relief of snoring and obstructive symptoms after PITA, the tonsillar regrowth was not likely clinically significant. The microdebrider was used to remove 95% to 99% of the tonsil tissue in a controlled manner, with preservation of the tonsillar capsule, as well as the anterior and posterior tonsillar pillars . However, given the age‐related changes in upper airway dimensions after surgery, regrowth may be insignificant with regard to airway obstruction…”

Microdebrider vs. electrocautery for tonsillectomy: A meta-analysis

“…From then on, a plenty of findings have held up their opinions which indicate that MIT is superior to conventional surgical excision in some aspects including the amount of blood loss, dehydration, and postoperative recovery time [4][5][6]. Recent researches indicate that MIT is valid for protecting the tonsillar capsule and producing fast wound healing to reduce suffering [7][8][9].…”

Tonsillitis and sore throat in children

“…and only remove the active lymphatic tissue. According to the literature the microdebrider has been useful for this [ 30 ], [ 148 ], [ 173 ], [ 202 ], [ 203 ], [ 227 ]. In adults foetor from the mouth or bothersome detritus in the crypts may be an indication.…”