RETROSPECTIVE ANALYSIS OF POSTOPERATIVE TONSILLECTOMY BLEEDING IN ADULT PATIENTS

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: In this study, it is aimed to determine the features of patients who bleed after tonsillectomy and to investigate our approaches to these patients.MATERIAL AND METHODS: The records of 29 patients admitted to our clinic with post-tonsillectomy hemorrhage were retrospectively evaluated. The patients' age, gender, the bleeding day after the operation, laboratory parameters, causes of bleeding, surgical technique and approaching methods for bleeding were investigated.RESULTS: 11 (37.9%) of the patients were female and 18 (62.06%) were male, with a mean age of 26.8 (18-45) years. Tonsillectomy was performed with the cold knife method in 25 patients and with the help of bipolar cautery in 4 patients. The mean time for admission due to bleeding after surgery was 7.3 (1-19) days. The cause of bleeding could be detected in six (20.6%) patients. Conservative treatment methods were applied to two patients, hemorrhage intervention was performed under local anesthesia in 14 (48.2%) and general anesthesia in 13 patients (44.8%).CONCLUSIONS: Bleeding after tonsillectomy is frequently seen in adult patients and this situation results in life-threatening consequences. Possible complications can be prevented with new treatment methods and early intervention after bleeding.