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The value of preoperative estimation of haemoglobin in children undergoing tonsillectomy
A Nigam1, K Ahmed, A B Drake-Lee
1Birmingham and Midland E.N.T. Hospital, UK.
Insights
Routine preoperative hemoglobin testing in children for tonsillectomy is often unnecessary. The low prevalence of anemia suggests this practice is costly and traumatic, warranting reconsideration for pediatric patients.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Surgery
- Anesthesiology
- Hematology
Background:
- Routine preoperative hemoglobin estimation is common practice for children undergoing tonsillectomy.
- The clinical utility and cost-effectiveness of this routine investigation are often questioned.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the necessity and impact of routine preoperative hemoglobin testing in pediatric tonsillectomy patients.
- To determine the prevalence of anemia in this specific pediatric surgical population.
Main Methods:
- A prospective study was conducted on 250 consecutive children scheduled for tonsillectomy.
- Hemoglobin levels were measured preoperatively for all participants.
Main Results:
- Only two children (0.8%) were identified with preoperative anemia.
- The vast majority of pediatric patients did not present with anemia requiring intervention.
Conclusions:
- Routine preoperative hemoglobin testing in children undergoing tonsillectomy is likely unnecessary due to low anemia prevalence.
- The practice should be reconsidered, as it may be expensive and traumatic for pediatric patients.
Abstract:
Preoperative estimation of haemoglobin in children undergoing tonsillectomy is routinely practised in most centres. To assess the value of this investigation the haemoglobin of 250 consecutive children undergoing tonsillectomy was estimated. Two children were clinically found anaemic preoperatively, and this was confirmed on blood testing. Since the prevalence of anaemia is low, it is proposed that the practice of routine preoperative estimation of haemoglobin is unnecessary, traumatic and expensive, and therefore requires reconsideration.