Introduction

Ear, Nose & Throat Journal, August, 2004 by Kelvin C. Lee

Fully understanding new surgical technology can often be a challenge to the practicing otolaryngologist. As new techniques are introduced through the literature, authors often focus on clinical efficacy and statistical significance, while the potential benefit to the surgeon of new devices is not always apparent. In such cases, the surgeon is left to decipher how best to use these instruments from information provided by instruction manuals or company representatives.

In this report of a roundtable forum, we review three new surgical modalities used for tonsillectomy: the harmonic scalpel, the powered tissue microdebrider, and the plasma excision device. We have included summaries of the data available from the literature and the firsthand experiences of the roundtable participants who have used these devices. Our goal is to provide surgeons who perform tonsillectomy with a better understanding of the technical aspects of these new devices and to share with them some practical knowledge of how they handle and feel in the operating room. We hope this additional perspective will facilitate the use of these promising modalities and allow surgeons to more rapidly perform a better tonsillectomy.