Coblation versus Bipolar Diathermy Hemostasis in Pediatric Tonsillectomy Patients: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Abstract Objective To compare the outcomes of coblation versus bipolar in pediatric 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 an electronic search of information was conducted to identify all Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) comparing the outcomes of coblation versus bipolar in pediatric patients undergoing tonsillectomy. Intraoperative bleeding, reactionary hemorrhage, delayed hemorrhage and post-operative pain were primary outcome measures. Secondary outcome measures included return to normal diet, effects on tonsillar bed, operation time and administration of analgesia. Fixed and random effects models were used for the analysis. Results Seven studies enrolling 1328 patients were identified. There was a significant difference between coblation and bipolar groups in terms of delayed hemorrhage (Odds Ratio [OR] = 0.25, P = 0.0007) and post-operative pain (standardized mean difference [MD] = -2.13, P = 0.0007). Intraoperative bleeding (MD = -43.26, P = 0.11) and reactionary hemorrhage did not show any significant difference. For secondary outcomes, coblation group had improved outcomes in terms of administration of analgesia, diet and tonsillar tissue recovery and thermal damage. No significant difference was reported in terms of operation time. Conclusions Coblation is a superior option when compared to bipolar technique for pediatric patients undergoing tonsillectomy as it improves post-operative pain and delayed hemorrhage and does not worsen intraoperative bleeding and reactionary hemorrhage. Highlights - Coblation tonsillectomy was less painful than bipolar diathermy. - Coblation tonsillectomy was associated with less delayed hemorrhage than bipolar diathermy. - Tonsillar tissue recovery, thermal damage and return to normal diet were better in the coblation group.