1.Adenotonsillectomy is a major surgical modality in general otolaryngological practice. The main indication in the past was recurrent infection, however, the trend has shifted to sleep disordered breathing and obstructive sleep apnea syndrome nowadays.
2. Surgical methods have been reported are cold steel instruments, electrodissection, plasma knife, microdebrider, coblation, radiofrequency, and laser. Also, transoral robotic radical tonsillectomy, a latest surgical modality for tonsil tumors is introduced.
3. In this topic, we review previous studies in comparison between the various methods of adenotonsillectomy, including intraoperative factors, postoperative results, complications, and hospitalization time. Common complications are postoperative pain, bleeding, dehydration and recurrence or regrowth of tonsillar tissue. The mortality and morbidity between different surgical methods are compared and reported. There is still great debate about the various adenoidectomy / tonsillectomy modalities in published studies regarding their advantages and disadvantages.