DOI: 10.36347/sjams.2020.v08i12.040

Pages: 2897-2900

Background/Aim: Tonsillectomy is one of the most common surgical procedures performed by otolaryngologists. Recurrent/ chronic tonsillitis and sleep disorders due to tonsillar hypertrophy are among the most common indications for tonsillectomy. Although complications such as pain, dehydration, airway obstruction, sleep disorders, and pulmonary edema may occur after tonsillectomy, the most common life-threatening complication is post-tonsillectomy hemorrhage (PTH). In our study, we aimed to help clinicians with this potentially fatal complication by retrospectively examining the characteristics of patients with PTH and the management of PTH treatment. Materials and Methods: Twenty-five patients who underwent a tonsillectomy in a university hospital between 2011-2020, who was diagnosed with PTH, and whose bleeding was surgically controlled were included in the study. In addition to the demographic data of these patients, tonsil size, tonsillectomy surgery technique, postoperative bleeding location, postoperative bleeding day, and the technique of surgery for PTH treatment were examined. Results: The incidence of PTH was found to be 1.1 % in patients who underwent tonsillectomy. Five patients (20 %) had a primary hemorrhage and 20 patients (80 %) had a secondary hemorrhage. The most common tonsillectomy method was the cold blade dissection method with a rate of 88 %, and the most commonly used method in bleeding control was bipolar cauterization with a rate of 76 % regardless of suturing. Conclusion: Although new developments in tonsil surgery and surgical instruments have come into use, the method of cold blade dissection is still seen as the most commonly used method. Suturing with bipolar cauterization used in the treatment of PTH that occurs after tonsillectomy surgery provides effective success.