Bipolar Quantum Molecular Resonance versus Blunt Dissection tonsillectomy. Objectives: This study compared a quantum molecular resonance tonsillectomy (QMRT) to a standard blunt dissection tonsillectomy (BDT) for effectiveness and safety.
Methodology: From January 2011 to September 2012, we recruited 80 children (ages 3 to 16 y) with paediatric obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome and/or recurrent tonsillitis. Patients were randomly assigned to receive QMRT (N=40) or BDT (N=40). The operating time and blood loss during surgery were evaluated. During the first postoperative week, the patients’ parents completed a questionnaire to evaluate bleeding, ear and neck pain, nausea, vomiting, interrupted sleep, oral liquid intake or discomfort in fluid assumption, and analgesic consumption.
Results: The average tonsillectomy duration was significantly shorter in the QMRT group (22.07 min±9.05) than in the BDT group (35.12 min±13.32; p<0.000005). The average blood loss during tonsillectomy was significantly lower for the QMRT group (5.62 ml±7.44) than for the BDT group (43 ml±33.20; p<000000001). However, the BDT group reported significantly lower pain scores than the QMRT group on days 2 (p<0.05), 5 (p<0.05), and 6 (p<0.05); on other days, the groups were not significantly different. The BDT group reported two early and one late bleeding episodes; the QMRT group recorded only two late bleeding episodes.
Conclusions: QMRT significantly reduced the operating time and intra-operative blood loss. No significant differences were found between the two techniques in postoperative pain or bleeding.