Guidance
Evidence-based recommendations on electrosurgery (diathermy and coblation) for tonsillectomy. This involves using heat (diathermy) to 'cut' away the tonsils or radiofrequency energy (coblation) to cut through the soft tissue attaching the tonsils.
Last reviewed: 14 December 2005
This guidance replaces previous interventional procedures guidance on coblation tonsillectomy and interim guidance on diathermy for tonsillectomy that was issued jointly with the British Association of Otorhinolaryngologists – Head and Neck Surgeons.
Next review: This guidance will be reviewed if there is new evidence that is likely to change the recommendations.
Guidance development process
How we develop NICE interventional procedures guidance
Coding and clinical classification codes for this guidance.
Your responsibility
This guidance represents the view of NICE, arrived at after careful consideration of the evidence available. When exercising their judgement, healthcare professionals are expected to take this guidance fully into account, and specifically any special arrangements relating to the introduction of new interventional procedures. The guidance does not override the individual responsibility of healthcare professionals to make decisions appropriate to the circumstances of the individual patient, in consultation with the patient and/or guardian or carer.
All problems (adverse events) related to a medicine or medical device used for treatment or in a procedure should be reported to the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency using the Yellow Card Scheme.
Commissioners and/or providers have a responsibility to implement the guidance, in their local context, in light of their duties to have due regard to the need to eliminate unlawful discrimination, advance equality of opportunity, and foster good relations. Nothing in this guidance should be interpreted in a way that would be inconsistent with compliance with those duties. Providers should ensure that governance structures are in place to review, authorise and monitor the introduction of new devices and procedures.
Commissioners and providers have a responsibility to promote an environmentally sustainable health and care system and should assess and reduce the environmental impact of implementing NICE recommendations wherever possible.