Reduced risk of primary postoperative hemorrhage after tonsil surgery in Sweden: results from the National Tonsil Surgery Register in Sweden covering more than 10 years and 54,696 operations

Abstract

Objectives/hypothesis: To analyze the incidence of primary bleeding following tonsil surgery and to evaluate risk factors.

Study design: Register study of the results from the National Tonsil Surgery Register in Sweden covering the period 1997 to 2008 and 54,696 operations.

Methods: Data were collected by means of three questionnaires, two filled in by professionals and one 6 months postoperatively by the patient/parent.

Results: A total of 719 patients experienced primary postoperative bleeding during the hospital stay (1.3%). A number of independent factors were correlated with decreased risk of post-tonsillectomy hemorrhage: younger age (P < .0001), female sex (P < .0001), type of surgery (tonsillotomy) (P = .0006), and surgery performed on a day-surgery basis (P < .0001). Indication for surgery and number of operations performed at the department did not correlate with postoperative bleeding risk. A significant decrease in primary postoperative hemorrhage rate from 2% to 0.96% was found during the study period.

Conclusions: Primary hemorrhage following tonsil surgery is rare. During the study period, a significant decrease in primary bleeding rates occurred. The changes in practice with an increasing proportion of day-surgery cases and tonsillotomy have contributed to the reduced risk, but cannot completely explain the reduction.