Incidence of Post-Tonsillectomy Hemorrhage in Tonsillectomy with Bipolar Diathermy

Abstract

Objectives: To study the frequency of post-operative hemorrhage and type of management employed following tonsillectomy performed with bipolar diathermy.
Study Design: Descriptive cross-sectional study.
Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out at the Department of ENT of Combined Military Hospital, Rawalpindi, Pakistan from February 2021 to January 2022.
Materials and Methods: We studied 66 patients who were selected for tonsillectomy. Patients having a previous record of pharyngeal surgery and thrombotic disorders/ hemorrhagic diathesis were excluded. All participants underwent tonsillectomy with bipolar diathermy and were followed up 10 days for the development of post-tonsillectomy hemorrhage. Data were analyzed by SPSS 26.0.
Results: A total of 10 (15.2 %) patients developed post-tonsillectomy hemorrhage in our study. Of these, 8 (12.2 %) were managed conservatively while 2 (3.0%) required surgical management to control hemorrhage. Blood transfusion was required by 1 (1.5%) patient.
Conclusion: Post-tonsillectomy hemorrhage is comparatively a common complication occurring with bipolar diathermy. It is important for the surgeon to be vigilant of this fact for timely and appropriate management in this scenario.