Cutting-edge technology speeds recovery after tonsils removed
KITCHENER — Children who get their tonsils out will have a faster and easier recovery with a new technology adopted by Grand River Hospital.
The Kitchener hospital is now using “coblation” (controlled ablation) technology for routine tonsillectomies.
“It’s really about making the patient and family experience better,” said Dr. Vinita Bindlish, an ear, nose and throat specialist at the Kitchener hospital.
The coblation instrument combines radio-frequency energy and saline to create a plasma field of about 40 to 70 C.
The surgeon uses the handheld tool for targeted removal of tonsils from a patient’s throat.
“You vaporize the tissue,” Bindlish said.
Previously, surgeons used electro-surgery that operated at a much higher temperature, about 400 to 600 C.
“You’d get a very effective removal, but the surrounding tissue would get damaged by the heat,” Bindlish said.
The benefits of the new technology are less pain and reduced risk of bleeding. Less pain means the child will eat and drink more, aiding recovery.
“They get back to normal life faster,” Bindlish said.
The coblation tool was tested by Bindlish and her colleagues at both Kitchener hospitals for about six months before the decision was made to purchase it.
Grand River performs 350 tonsillectomy procedures every year, and St. Mary’s about 120, Bindlish said.
Cambridge Memorial Hospital has been using coblation technology for more than a year, according to the hospital spokesperson.
Bindlish said the aim is to make the patient experience as positive as possible, and less damage to surrounding tissue minimizes discomfort after the common childhood surgery.
“The mouth is very, very sensitive.”