Blood splash from different diathermy instruments during tonsillectomy.
OBJECTIVE
To compare the potential risk of blood contamination of the surgeon's conjunctiva during tonsillectomy using disposable bipolar diathermy and reusable monopolar diathermy.


METHODS
A prospective, single-blind, randomized, controlled trial.


METHODS
Elective tonsillectomy was performed using either disposable bipolar diathermy or reusable monopolar diathermy. The operating surgeon wore a ViewsafeTM protective eyeshield which was later examined under an operating microscope by a blinded observer and the number of blood spots counted.


RESULTS
One hundred and sixty-eight patients were enrolled. The relative risk of conjunctival contamination of the surgeon using disposable bipolar diathermy was 2.8 times that with reusable monopolar diathermy (chi-squared test, p < 0.0005). A previous history of peritonsillar abscess and additional adenoidectomy were associated with increased blood splatter.


CONCLUSIONS
The use of disposable bipolar diathermy for haemostasis during tonsillectomy poses a greater risk of conjunctival contamination for the surgeon than using reusable monopolar diathermy.
Hanna
B C
BC
Department of ENT, Antrim Area Hospital, Antrim, Northern Ireland, UK. b.hanna@qub.ac.uk
Thompson
P
P
Smyth
C
C
Gallagher
G
G
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001769:Blood; D016063:Blood Loss, Surgical / Q000517:prevention & control; D017848:Blood-Borne Pathogens; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003228:Conjunctiva; D003972:Diathermy / Q000295:instrumentation*; D004209:Disposable Equipment; D017743:Equipment Reuse; D005135:Eye Protective Devices; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D017053:Infection Control; D017758:Infectious Disease Transmission, Patient-to-Professional / Q000517:prevention & control; D008297:Male; D009660:Northern Ireland; D016037:Single-Blind Method; D014068:Tonsillectomy / Q000295:instrumentation*; D014069:Tonsillitis / Q000601:surgery*