Tonsillectomy and the Risk of Post-Tonsillectomy Hemorrhage: A Retrospective Cross-Sectional Study

Amel Krkalic¹ , Harun Mandra² , Anes Joguncic³

1 Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Maxillofacial Surgery, Cantonal Hospital Zenica, Zenica, Bosnia and Herzegovina
2 Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Cantonal Hospital Zenica, Zenica, Bosnia and Herzegovina
3 Department of Epidemiology. Public Health Institute of Canton Sarajevo, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Corresponding Author: Amel Krkalic MD. Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Maxillofacial Surgery, Cantonal Hospital Zenica, Zenica, Bosnia and Herzegovina; E-mail: amel91_ze@live.com; Phone: +387 32 447 000; ORCID ID: 0000-0002-1880-1979.

Pages: 5-10 / Published online: 19 August 2024

Cite this article: Krkalic A, Mandra H, Joguncic A. Tonsillectomy and the Risk of Post-Tonsillectomy Hemorrhage: A Retrospective Cross-Sectional Study. Sar Med J. 2024; 1(1): Online ahead of print. DOI: 10.70119/0002-24

Original submission: 15 March 2024; Revised submission: 07 June 2024; Accepted: 11 July 2024

Abstract

Introduction. Aim of article was to Retrospectively reviewed occurrence of post-tonsillectomy hemorrhage (PTH) in a population with a wide age range and assessing the association between patients’ age, time of PTH, and the need for surgery to control bleeding.

Methods. A retrospective cross-sectional study of 240 patients who underwent a tonsillectomy, tonsilloadenotomy or adenectomy in our Department. Demographic parameters, indication, complication, performed operation and PHD were analyzed in patients.

Results. A total of 240 patients with a mean age of 12.29 years, a median age of 8 years and an interquartile range of 5 to 15 years. In relation to the age limit of 16 years, 181 (75.4%) patients were 16 or younger, and 59 (24.6%) were over 16. 9 (5%) children had PTH, primary in 2.2%, and secondary in 2.8%. 8 adults (13.6%) had secondary PTH. Patients older than 16 had a 2.73 times higher risk of bleeding than patients younger than 16 (RR=2.73; p=0.030). In terms of gender, 9 male patients (8%) and 8 female patients (6.3%) experienced bleeding. There was no significant statistical difference (p=0.529).

Conclusion. The risk of PTH has increased with age. In terms of gender, there was no difference.

Keywords: tonsillectomy, demographic, complication, hemorrhage, treatment.