R B Ali1, D Smyth, R Kane, M Donnelly. 1. Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Waterford Regional Hospital, Dunmore Road, Waterford, Ireland. rohana.oconnell@gmail.com
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Post-tonsillectomy bleeding (PTB) is still one of the most common complications of tonsillectomy. The rate of PTB varies with different methods. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed all charts of patients who underwent tonsillectomy in a regional hospital. RESULTS: Post-tonsillectomy bleeding occurred in 33 patients (6.68%); 3 experienced primary haemorrhage and 30 had secondary haemorrhage. The rate of PTB was higher in males and in the over 15-year group (9.41%). The commonest surgical techniques used were cold steel dissection with bipolar diathermy for haemostasis (55.87%). The lowest PTB was observed with 'cold steel and ties technique' (3.14%). Operations which used bipolar diathermy throughout had the highest level of haemorrhage (8.47%). CONCLUSION: In conclusion, the overall risk of bleeding is related to surgical technique. A 'hot' technique had a higher risk of bleeding than 'cold' technique.
INTRODUCTION: Post-tonsillectomy bleeding (PTB) is still one of the most common complications of tonsillectomy. The rate of PTB varies with different methods. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed all charts of patients who underwent tonsillectomy in a regional hospital. RESULTS: Post-tonsillectomy bleeding occurred in 33 patients (6.68%); 3 experienced primary haemorrhage and 30 had secondary haemorrhage. The rate of PTB was higher in males and in the over 15-year group (9.41%). The commonest surgical techniques used were cold steel dissection with bipolar diathermy for haemostasis (55.87%). The lowest PTB was observed with 'cold steel and ties technique' (3.14%). Operations which used bipolar diathermy throughout had the highest level of haemorrhage (8.47%). CONCLUSION: In conclusion, the overall risk of bleeding is related to surgical technique. A 'hot' technique had a higher risk of bleeding than 'cold' technique.