Table 1.
Overview of studies comparing partial vs. total tonsillectomy
| Characteristic | N RCTs |
|---|---|
| Comparisons | |
| Total cold dissection vs. partial cold dissection | 3 |
| Total coblation vs. partial coblation | 1 |
| Total electrocautery vs. partial electrocautery | 1 |
| Partial vs. total | 11 |
| Surgical Indication | |
| OSDB | 13 |
| Throat Infection | 0 |
| OSDB+Throat Infection | 2 |
| Not specified | 1 |
| Effectiveness Outcomes Frequently Reported | |
| Return to normal diet or activity | 10 |
| Number of throat infections | 5 |
| Tonsillar regrowth | 4 |
| Risk of Bias | |
| Low | 5 |
| Moderate | 11 |
| Region of Conduct | |
| North America | 8 |
| Europe | 4 |
| Asia | 3 |
| Africa | 1 |
| Total N participants | 1,234 |
Abbreviations: n = Number; OSDB = Obstructive Sleep-Disordered Breathing; RCT = Randomized Controlled Trial