Harmonic scalpel tonsillectomy: Technical considerations

Among the latest innovations in the field of otolaryngology is the application of ultrasonically-activated instruments such as the Harmonic scalpel (Ethicon Endosurgery, Cincinnati, OH) to tonsillectomy. Preliminary reports have suggested that the Harmonic scalpel might represent the much pursued compromise between the precision and fast healing of the cold scalpel and the lower postoperative bleeding risk of electrocautery. It is worth acquiring an understanding of this new technology; we will subsequently describe our surgical technique and consider the potential advantages as well as the limitations of the Harmonic scalpel compared to conventional methods of tonsillectomy.