Tonsillectomy Outcomes for Coblation versus Bipolar Diathermy Techniques in Adult Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Introduction There is no consensus on the most superior tonsillectomy technique in adult patients. Recent trials involving coblation technique have shown promising results. Aim The study aims to compare the outcomes of coblation versus bipolar diathermy in adult patients undergoing tonsillectomy. Methods A systematic review and meta-analysis were performed as per the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines and a search of electronic information was conducted to identify all Randomised Controlled Trials (RCTs) as well as non-randomised studies comparing the outcomes of coblation versus bipolar diathermy in adult patients undergoing tonsillectomy. Reactionary haemorrhage, delayed haemorrhage and postoperative pain were primary outcome measures. Secondary outcome measures included a return to theatre, administration of analgesia, intraoperative bleeding, diet, the effect on tonsils (degree of healing of tonsillar fossae) and operation time. Fixed effects modelling was used for the analysis. Results Four RCTs and two non-randomised studies were identified enrolling a total of 1824 patients. There were no significant differences between the coblation and bipolar groups in terms of reactionary haemorrhage (Odds Ratio [OR] = 1.81, P = 0.51), delayed haemorrhage (OR = 0.72, P = 0.20) or postoperative pain by day 7 (standardised Mean Difference [MD] = -0.15, P = 0.45). For secondary outcomes, there were no differences noted in terms of intraoperative blood loss, diet and the number of cases returned to theatre. Administration of analgesia was reported to be either insignificant between the two groups or higher in the coblation group Also, the coblation group had longer operation time and greater healing effect on tonsillar tissue. Conclusions Coblation is neither a superior or inferior option when compared to bipolar diathermy used in the current clinical practice for adult patients undergoing tonsillectomy as both techniques have similar haemorrhage rates and post-operative pain whilst also lengthening the operative time in coblation. Highlights - Coblation is neither inferior or superior compared to bipolar diathermy in adult tonsillectomy - Administration of analgesia either has insignificant difference or higher in the coblation group. - Coblation has a longer operative time than bipolar diathermy.