How Laser tonsillotomy with local anesthesia linked with improved recovery

Results from a trial showed that laser tonsillotomy performed under local anesthesia versus tonsillectomy performed under general anesthesia is associated with a significantly shorter and less painful recovery period. The study was published in JAMA Network Open on February 21, 2022.

Tonsillitis, tonsillolithiasis, peritonsillar abscess, dysphagia, halitosis, and snoring are common conditions related to tonsils in adults. Surgery is indicated in cases when conservative treatment of these conditions fails. Previous studies have shown carbon dioxide laser tonsillotomy performed under local anesthesia to be an effective and less invasive alternative to dissection tonsillectomy for treatment of tonsil-related afflictions.