Seasonal variation of secondary post tonsillectomy hemorrhage rates.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the seasonal variation of secondary post-tonsillectomy hemorrhage.


METHODS
Tonsillectomy cases performed using the cold dissection method between 1998 and 2008 at 5 distinct health centers affiliated with the Baskent University were retrospectively reviewed.The seasonal distribution of hemorrhage cases was assessed and the rates of hemorrhage were compared with average air temperature in each region.


RESULTS
A total of 4118 patients who underwent tonsillectomy the cold dissection method were included in this study. Post-tonsillectomy hemorrhage occurred in 71 (1.7%) patients. Intraoperative bleeding control was provided with bipolar cautery in 65 (91.5%) cases and bipolar cautery and suture in 6 (8.5%) cases. The season and air temperature had a significant influence on secondary post-tonsillectomy hemorrhage with a significant increase in secondary post-tonsillectomy hemorrhage cases during the winter months (p < 0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
In our study, we found an overall of secondary hemorrhage of 1.7%. Secondary post tonsillectomy hemorrhage showed seasonal variations. In patient at high risk of bleeding, avoiding from tonsillectomy during winter months my reduce the probability of secondary hemorrhage.
Department of Otolaryngology, Baskent University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey. eskierkan@mynet.com
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Eski
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Dogan
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Yilmaz
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016014:Linear Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019106:Postoperative Hemorrhage / Q000453:epidemiology*; D012621:Seasons; D014068:Tonsillectomy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D055815:Young Adult