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Factors associated with post-tonsillectomy hemorrhage
1Medical Clinic and Avera Sacred Heart Hospital, Yankton, SD 57078, USA. pjcent@dtgnet.com
Ear, Nose, & Throat Journal
|September 2, 2000
Summary
Post-tonsillectomy hemorrhage occurs in 4% of patients, with secondary bleeding being more common. Careful hemostatic techniques may help prevent this significant complication.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Surgical Complications
Background:
- Hemorrhage is a common complication following tonsillectomy.
- Preventing post-tonsillectomy bleeding remains a challenge for otolaryngologists.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the rates and potential risk factors of post-tonsillectomy hemorrhage.
- To identify controllable variables in hemostatic techniques for bleeding prevention.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective chart review of 430 consecutive tonsillectomy patients.
- Analysis of bleeding rates, patient demographics, surgical factors, and hemostatic methods.
Main Results:
- Overall bleeding rate was 4% (0.23% primary, 3.7% secondary).
- Factors correlated with bleeding included patient sex, season, procedure length, blood loss, and use of vasoconstrictors/steroids.
- Delayed bleeding peaked on the eighth postoperative day.
Conclusions:
- Secondary hemorrhage is the most frequent complication of tonsillectomy.
- Specific hemostatic techniques, potentially involving vasoconstrictors and cauterization, may influence delayed bleeding risk.