Pharynx and tonsils: coblation tonsillectomy: practice question

A ENT question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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ENT · Pharynx and tonsils: coblation tonsillectomy

Sample item

Which technique of tonsillectomy uses radiofrequency energy in a saline field to dissolve tissue at a lower temperature, resulting in less postoperative pain?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

A. Coblation tonsillectomy

Coblation uses bipolar radiofrequency and saline to create a plasma field that ablates tissue at about 60 degrees C. This causes less collateral thermal injury than diathermy, with possible reduction in pain. Postoperative haemorrhage remains a risk with every technique.

Option by option

  • A. Coblation tonsillectomy (correct)

    Correct. Radiofrequency plasma in saline.

  • B. Guillotine tonsillectomy

    Guillotine uses a mechanical snare.

  • C. Cold steel dissection

    Cold steel uses blades and ties.

  • D. Monopolar diathermy dissection

    Monopolar diathermy heats tissue to high temperatures.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this ENT question

What is the answer to this ENT question?

The best answer is A, Coblation tonsillectomy. Coblation uses bipolar radiofrequency and saline to create a plasma field that ablates tissue at about 60 degrees C.

Why is "Guillotine tonsillectomy" not the answer?

Guillotine uses a mechanical snare.

Why is "Cold steel dissection" not the answer?

Cold steel uses blades and ties.

Why is "Monopolar diathermy dissection" not the answer?

Monopolar diathermy heats tissue to high temperatures.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Pharynx and tonsils: coblation tonsillectomy in ENT. This causes less collateral thermal injury than diathermy, with possible reduction in pain. Postoperative haemorrhage remains a risk with every technique.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Pharynx and tonsils: coblation tonsillectomy?

Learn tuning fork results and audiogram patterns by sketching them. Then use the flashcards and the other ENT questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.