Study

Comparative Technique

Size (age range)

Measured POD

Conclusions

Temple (2001) [6]

Bipolar

38 (4 - 12 yrs)

1 - 9

Decreased pain

Stoker (2004) [7]

Monopolar

89 (3 - 12 yrs)

1 - 14

Decreased nausea, vomiting, & physician calls

Chang* (2005) [8]

Monopolar

101 (2 - 16 yrs)

1, 3, 5

Decreased pain medications on POD5 Improved oral intake and activity level

Parsons (2006) [9]

Harmonic Scalpel, Monopolar

61 (3 - 12 yrs)

1 - 10

Decreased pain compared to harmonic scalpel & monopolar

Mitic (2007) [10]

Cold dissection with bipolar

40 (4 - 12 yrs)

1 - 10

Decreased pain & pain medications Improved oral intake & activity level Shorter recovery time by 2 days

Di Rienzo (2008) [11]

Cold dissection

42 (5 - 16 yrs)

1 - 14

Decreased pain & pain medications Quicker resumption of regular diet & return to school

Parker (2011) [3]

Monopolar

80 (≤18 yrs)

1 - 14

Decreased pain Quicker resumption of regular diet

Paramasivan (2012) [13]

Monopolar

50 (5 - 12 yrs)

0, 4

Decreased pain