Post-tonsillectomy hemorrhage after bipolar diathermy vs. cold dissection surgical techniques in Alahsa region, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Introduction: Tonsillectomy is a common surgical procedure done by  totolaryngologists. Tonsillectomy is a relatively simple procedure. The concept of implementing it as a day case operation has become increasingly popular.
Material and Methods: This is a cross sectional study done in Alahsa city, eastern province, Saudi Arabia during the period from January 2014 to March 2015,This study reported the postoperative hemorrhage after Bipolar diathermy and Cold dissection surgical techniques to evaluate the incidence of the hemorrhage and to identify the possible risk factors associated with its occurrence.
Results: Postoperative bleeding occurred in 45 (3.6%) out of 1232 patients. Post-tonsillectomy hemorrhage according to operation technique was significantly higher among patients who underwent bipolar diathermy than cold dissection technique (p< 0.05).
Conclusion: Bleeding after operation by bipolar diathermy technique was occurring more frequently within the first five days. Hemoglobin level was significantly decreased in posttonsillectomy hemorrhage.