Review of 1078 tonsillectomy: Retrospective cohort study

Abstract

Aim: Tonsillectomy is one of the most frequently performed otolaryngologic surgical procedures. We represented our 5 years of experience in tonsillectomy and intended to compare our results with the current literature. We aimed to discuss our tonsillectomy outcomes, mainly giving emphasis on our post tonsillectomy infections and their possible relation with tonsillar pillar suturation, local anesthesia infiltration, comorbidities and presence of Actinomyces colonies in tonsil specimens. Methods: This study was carried out retrospectively, in 1078 patients who underwent tonsillectomy operation in between December 2011 and December 2016. The demographic data of the patients, indications for tonsillectomy, suturation if applied, local anesthesia infiltration and its timing, histopathologic findings, co-morbid diseases, postoperative complications and re-hospitalizations were recorded. The association of suturation, infiltration of local anesthesia and it's timing (pre-incisional, post-dissectional), the histopathologic presentation of Actinomyces bacteria in tonsillar specimens and the presence of accompanying systemic disorders with post-tonsillectomy infections were statistically analyzed. Results: Postoperative infection was seen in 5 (0.5%) patients. Among the suturation group, only 1 (0.5%) patient had infection (p=1). In the infection group 4 (80%) patients had post dissectional local anesthesia infiltration (p=0.574). None of the patients treated with preincisional local anesthesia infiltration, had postoperative infection (p=0.574). In 3 (0.3%) patients, Actinomyces was determined. None of these cases had post-tonsillectomy infections. 142 (13.2%) patients had various co-morbidities associated. Among them, 1 (0.7%) patient had postoperative infection (p=0.507). Conclusion: According to our results, there is no statistically significant association between suturation of tonsillar pillars, local anesthesia infiltration, comorbidities and presence of Actinomyces and post tonsillectomy infections.

Comparison of Topical Bupivacaine, Peritonsillar Dexamethasone Infiltration or Topical Bupivacaine Plus Intravenous Dexamethasone for Post-Adenotonsillectomy Pain Control

“…Though tonsillectomy has been commonly performed for many years, complications are still encountered (3) . It should not be viewed as minor or routine surgery that is relatively devoid of complication (4) .…”