Ultrasonic dissection uses high-frequency vibrations to vibrate the blade of a specially designed scalpel at high frequency. Energy is transferred from the blade of the scalpel to the tonsillar tissue to remove the tonsils or adenoids.

How it works

The blade of the scalpel used in ultrasonic dissection vibrates at a frequency of 55,000 times a second. The vibration, which is invisible to the naked eye, transfers the energy from the blade of the scalpel to the tissue attaching the tonsils or adenoids to the throat to remove the tonsils or adenoids while simultaneously sealing the blood vessels. Because it uses ultrasonic energy, the specially designed scalpel operates at a low temperature that does not burn or char the surrounding tissue.

Advantages Reduced pain: Decreased damage to surrounding tissue can reduce post-operative pain compared to scalpel and electrocautery methods. Faster recovery: Reduction in pain and tissue damage enables patients to return to normal activities and diet sooner than with electrocautery.

Disadvantages Expense: The scalpel used in ultrasonic dissection is expensive compared to standard tonsillectomy methods.