Original Title: Reducción amigdalar por radiofrecuencia inducida

Authors' objectives: To compare the clinical utility (safety, morbidity and effectiveness) of radiofrequency tonsil reduction with that of classical tonsillectomy and other surgical options for enlarged tonsils.

Authors' results and conclusions: Results Comparison of reducing tonsillar radiofrequency against classical tonsillectomy provides consistent results that indicate that the tonsillar radiofrequency reduction has less discomfort and requires less recovery time postsurgical. However, comparison of the safety and the effectiveness between the two techniques is based on scant evidence and limited quality that does not detect significant differences between them. Comparison on the clinical utility of the various techniques used to reduce tonsillar indicates that security of tonsillar with radiofrequency and Coblator reduction is superior to the laser and tonsillectomy with cautery, although these results should be viewed with caution since they are based on limited evidence in quantity and quality. The available evidence does not compare the effectiveness between different techniques applied in the tonsillar reduction. Conclusions Tonsillar radiofrequency reduction produces, both in pediatric population as an adult, less postoperative discomfort, and requires less recovery time. Differences between both techniques have not been demonstrated in relation to its effectiveness or safety. Safety of radiofrequency and Coblator tonsillar reduction presents better results than laser and tonsillectomy with cautery. It’s not possible to conclude about the differences in effectiveness between different techniques used for the tonsillar reduction. They are necessary studies that analyze one larger number of patients, with better control of bias and a longer follow-up allowing to draw new conclusions in this regard.

Authors' methods: We carried out a systematic review of the scientific evidence with the aim of providing objective data to support decisions on healthcare as well as healthcare policies. The approach used was based on a structured search of scientific databases, critical analysis of studies to assess the reliability of the evidence, and synthesis of the results, which were then assessed in relation to the context of the Spanish National Health Service.

Project Status: Completed

Year Published: 2018

URL for published report: https://www.euskadi.eus/web01-a2aznscp/es/k75aWebPublicacionesWar/k75aObtenerPublicacionDigitalServlet?R01HNoPortal=true&N_LIBR=052204&N_EDIC=0001&C_IDIOM=es&FORMATO=.pdf

English language abstract: An English language summary is available

Publication Type: Rapid Review

Country: Spain

Organisation Name: Basque Office for Health Technology Assessment

Contact Address: C/ Donostia – San Sebastián, 1 (Edificio Lakua II, 4ª planta) 01010 Vitoria - Gasteiz

Contact Name: Lorea Galnares-Cordero

Contact Email: lgalnares@bioef.eus

Copyright: <p>Osteba (Basque Office for Health Technology Assessment) Health Department of the Basque Government</p>