“Microwave Tonsillectomy”: A Breakthrough Procedure Performed For The First Time In Philadelphia May Replace Traditional Tonsillectomy

PHILADELPHIA, PA –  February 7, 2000/PRNewswire/ -- According to the American Academy of Otolaryngology, tonsils that get frequently infected or cause severe blockage of the airway may need to be removed.  Traditionally, the procedure is performed in a hospital setting; severe pain, excessive bleeding and loss of time from school or work are common.  The Center for Corrective Surgery announced today the success of a new breakthrough technique, which reduces the size of enlarged tonsils without major discomfort, bleeding or lengthy hospital visits.  “Unlike the traditional radical tonsillectomy, the new procedure is performed with mild sedation in the doctor’s office within a few minutes enabling the patients to resume their normal activity immediately,” according to Dr. Mansoor Madani, who is the pioneering surgeon for this technique.

Dr. Madani has been using radiofrequency energy, similar to microwave energy, in other parts of the mouth and the nose to treat chronic nasal congestion and snoring.  “By applying a mild amount of heat to these tissues we noticed that their size gets smaller, just like when you put certain foods in the microwave and they shrink” says Dr. Madani.  “For those individuals who need it done, this is certainly a far more advanced and humane way to take care of our patients,” adds Dr. Madani, the director of the Center for Corrective Surgery and Associate Professor of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at Temple University in Philadelphia.

The procedure is called Tonsillar Coblation.  A radiofrequency probe generating mild heat is placed in three to four locations in the tonsils.  The probe is kept in each position for only 10-15 seconds.  Most patients can have this procedure with either a local anesthetic or mild sedation, so no hospitalization is required.  Patients are discharged with a prescription for antibiotics and a special mouthwash and a rinse.  Best of all, patients can actually return to work immediately. 

Tonsils are the two lumps of tissue, each about the size and shape of a large olive, in the back of the throat on either side of the tongue.   They are barely visible in babies and most adults.  Teenagers and some young adults may have larger tonsils. In the first two to three years of childhood, these tissues "catch" infections, sampling the individual’s environment to help develop childhood immunities (antibodies).  They make a small portion of the body's defense systems and almost vanish as we get older.   In some cases they can catch incoming germs, which cause infections. They can get infected often and swollen enough to touch each other in the back of the throat, ("kissing" tonsils).   A medical study has shown that children who suffer from frequent episodes of tonsillitis (such as 3-4 times each year for several years) were healthier after their tonsils were removed.  Children who must have their tonsils and adenoids removed suffer no loss in their body resistance to infections. 

This brand new procedure is not covered by medical insurance at this time and it costs about $1900. More about Tonsillar Coblation

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