The coblation tonsillectomy learning curve

OBJECTIVE: To establish if there is a learning curve for coblation tonsillectomy. STUDY DESIGN: Regression analysis of data obtained from surgeons identified from the Australian Tonsillectomy Survey. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Thirty otolaryngologists were invited to contribute audit data. Data were stratified into groups of 10 procedures and analysed with regression analysis. RESULTS: Nineteen (70%) surgeons responded. Complete data were obtained for 1700 cases and return to theatre data on 2062 cases. There was a significant learning curve with respect to both primary (P = 0.050) and secondary (P = 0.028) hemorrhage rates. Mean rates were 0.3% (95% CI 0.1% to 0.7%) and 2.1% (95% CI 1.5% to 2.9%) for primary and secondary bleeds, respectively, with return to theatre in 0.2% (95% CI 0.1% to 0.5%) and 1.3% (95% CI 0.9% to 1.9%), respectively. CONCLUSION: The introduction of coblation tonsillectomy into Australia was associated with a statistically significant learning curve with respect to both primary and secondary hemorrhage rates.