In the last decade tonsillotomy has come into vogue again, whereas the number of tonsillectomies is decreasing rapidly. Currently, most tonsils are reduced by utilise electrosurgery, radiofrequency or carbon dioxide laser. However, it is not clear whether radiofrequency tonsillotomy is as effective as laser or other surgical techniques in respect of post-operative pain and haemorrhage.

A prospective, randomised, double-blinded, controlled, clinical study was conducted in the otorhinolaryngology department of Ludwig Maximilians University, Munich, Germany. Twenty-six children with tonsillar hypertrophy were included. Exclusion criteria were: history of peritonsillar abscess, previous tonsil surgery, tonsillitis within two weeks, pain before surgery, psychiatric illness, asymmetrical tonsils, chronic analgesic usage, bleeding disorders and other surgical procedures during the same operation. Tonsillotomy was performed on one side with radiofrequency and on the other side with a carbon dioxide laser. All procedures were performed by a single surgeon, under general anaesthesia. A visual analogue scale was used to measure patients' pain on each side, administered by a ‘blinded’ nurse on the three post-operative mornings and evenings, within the hospital.

There was no difference in post-operative pain scores or haemorrhage, comparing laser versus radiofrequency tonsillotomy. Patient's overall reported pain was very modest compared with post-tonsillectomy pain. No haemorrhage or other adverse effects were observed.