Post-tonsillectomy hemorrhage: assessment of risk factors with special attention to introduction of coblation technique

Abstract

Post-tonsillectomy hemorrhage (PTH) is a relatively common and potentially life-threatening complication. The objective of this study was to examine the rate of PTH and identify risk factors. A retrospective cohort study was carried out including all tonsillectomies (430 patients) performed at Odense University Hospital (OUH) or Svendborg Hospital (SH), Denmark. PTH occurred in 52 patients (12.1%). Of the 180 patients treated with coblation technique, 41 (22.7%) had PTH. There were no fatal bleeding episodes. Multiple regression analysis resulted in three significant covariates: "Coblation as surgical technique" [relative risk (RR) = 5.3], "peritonsillar abscess as indication for surgery" (RR = 0.3) and "age equal to or above 15 years at the time of surgery" (RR = 5.4). It is concluded that patient age, PTA as indication for surgery and the use of coblation significantly affect the occurrence of PTH when coblation procedures are performed by non-experienced surgeons. We advise that implementation of coblation tonsillectomy is thoroughly planned with sufficient training of surgeons and continuous surveillance of results. If PTH rates comparable to "cold dissections tonsillectomy" cannot be reached intervention (learning or closing down of coblation tonsillectomy) has to be done.