Our Summary

This study looked at the rates of bleeding after tonsillectomy (a surgical procedure to remove the tonsils) using a specific tool called BiZact™. The research was conducted by reviewing medical records of patients who had this procedure between 2017 and 2020 at Flinders Medical Centre, Noarlunga Hospital, and private ear, nose, and throat practices.

The researchers found that the rate of immediate bleeding after the operation was very low (0.1%), and the rate of delayed bleeding was 5.9%. Most cases of delayed bleeding were mild and did not require additional treatment. Fewer cases needed medical intervention, a return to the operating room, or a blood transfusion. Thankfully, there were no deaths reported.

It was also found that the surgeon’s experience and the age of the child were factors that could predict the chance of delayed bleeding. Less experienced surgeons (trainees) and older children had a higher chance of experiencing this complication. For adult patients, the surgeon’s experience was the key factor in predicting the risk of bleeding.

In conclusion, the BiZact™ tonsillectomy has a low immediate bleeding rate and a delayed bleeding rate comparable to other similar techniques. Most bleeding events were minor and self-reported. It seems that there’s a learning curve for surgeons in training.

FAQs

  1. What was the rate of immediate and delayed bleeding after a tonsillectomy using BiZact™?
  2. What factors could predict the chance of delayed bleeding after a BiZact™ tonsillectomy?
  3. How does the BiZact™ tonsillectomy compare to other similar techniques in terms of bleeding rates?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about tonsillectomy is to follow post-operative care instructions carefully to minimize the risk of bleeding. This may include avoiding strenuous activities, sticking to a soft diet, staying hydrated, and taking pain medication as prescribed. It’s also important to follow up with your healthcare provider for any concerns or symptoms of bleeding, such as persistent throat pain, excessive swallowing, or vomiting blood. By following these guidelines, you can help ensure a smooth recovery after the procedure.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for tonsillectomy include those with recurrent tonsillitis (multiple episodes of throat infections per year), enlarged tonsils causing breathing problems or sleep apnea, and tonsil stones (calcium deposits in the tonsils). Additionally, patients with chronic or recurrent sore throats, difficulty swallowing, or persistent bad breath may also be candidates for tonsillectomy.

Timeline

Before tonsillectomy:

  • Patient consults with an ear, nose, and throat specialist to discuss the need for tonsillectomy
  • Pre-operative testing may be conducted to ensure the patient is healthy enough for surgery
  • Patient receives instructions on pre-operative fasting and medication restrictions
  • Surgery is scheduled and patient is advised on what to expect during and after the procedure

After tonsillectomy:

  • Patient may experience pain, swelling, and difficulty swallowing immediately after surgery
  • Patient is discharged from the hospital or surgical center and instructed on post-operative care, including pain management and diet restrictions
  • Patient may experience mild bleeding in the days following surgery, which is normal
  • Patient follows up with the surgeon for post-operative evaluation and management of any complications
  • Patient gradually recovers over the following weeks, with most symptoms resolving within 1-2 weeks
  • Patient may experience a decrease in throat infections and other symptoms that led to the decision to undergo tonsillectomy.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What is the risk of bleeding after a tonsillectomy procedure?
  2. What are the signs and symptoms of bleeding that I should watch out for after the surgery?
  3. How can I minimize the risk of bleeding during the recovery period?
  4. Are there any factors that may increase my chances of experiencing bleeding after the tonsillectomy?
  5. How experienced is the surgeon who will be performing the tonsillectomy?
  6. What is the plan for managing any bleeding that may occur after the surgery?
  7. How likely is it that I may need to return to the operating room or receive a blood transfusion if bleeding occurs?
  8. Are there any specific precautions or instructions I should follow to prevent bleeding after the tonsillectomy?
  9. What is the typical recovery time for a tonsillectomy, and how does bleeding impact this timeline?
  10. Are there any alternative treatment options to consider that may have a lower risk of bleeding?

Reference

Authors: Mao B, Woods CM, Athanasiadis T, MacFarlane P, Boase S, Joshi H, Wood J, Ooi EH. Journal: Clin Otolaryngol. 2023 Jul;48(4):672-679. doi: 10.1111/coa.14068. Epub 2023 May 2. PMID: 37129013