Originally Published MX July/August 2004

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ENT physicians tend to be a very conservative group. Most still perform a tonsillectomy the way they were taught in residency—using an electrocautery device—and are very satisfied with the results. It is a quick procedure, with a low risk of intraoperative complications.

For the patient, however, post-op is no picnic. Recovery time is approximately 10 to 14 days, with orders for no solid food for at least 5 to 7 days, and pain medications for at least the first few days. Importantly, many ENT physicians feel that pain is a subjective issue and, in the case of a tonsillectomy, very manageable.

An advertisement for ArthroCare Corp. (Sunnyvale, CA) by Adair-Greene (Atlanta) creates a unique look at post-op results for coblation-assisted tonsillectomy patients. (click to enlarge)

Such a conservative group represents a tough market for a new technology to penetrate. And that's especially true if the technology requires a technique learning curve of about 10 to 12 cases and offers the surgeon no procedural benefits over the traditional procedure.