Post-tonsillectomy outcomes: a prospective analysis of morbidities in 70 patients
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.18203/2320-6012.ijrms20263089Keywords:
Dysphagia, Hemorrhage, Pain measurement, Postoperative period, TonsillectomyAbstract
Background: Tonsillectomy is one of the most commonly performed surgical procedures in otolaryngology. Despite its routine nature, postoperative morbidities remain a significant concern for both surgeons and patients. Objective was to prospectively analyze the outcomes of tonsillectomy with a specific focus on the spectrum and frequency of early postoperative morbidities following cold dissection tonsillectomy.
Methods: This prospective study was conducted at the department of otolaryngology-head and neck surgery, Medical College for Women and Hospital, Dhaka, from July to December 2010. A total of 70 patients undergoing tonsillectomy for recurrent tonsillitis were enrolled using purposive sampling. Pain was assessed using a 0-10 numeric rating scale. Data were analyzed by SPSS version 23.0.
Results: Among 70 patients, females predominated (61.43%), with the highest proportion aged 21-30 years (38.57%). Most operations (50%) lasted 20-30 minutes. Senior surgeons performed 42.86% of procedures. On postoperative day 1, dysphagia was the most frequent morbidity (68.57%), followed by otalgia (12.86%) and nausea or vomiting (2.86%). Instrumental injuries occurred in 14.29% of patients. Secondary hemorrhage occurred in one patient (1.43%) on day 6. On postoperative day 7, throat pain persisted in 28.57%, dysphagia in 22.86%, and otalgia in 20%. Pain scores showed 17 patients scoring 5/10 on day 1, reducing to 30 patients scoring 1/10 by day 7.
Conclusions: Dysphagia and pain are the predominant early morbidities following cold dissection tonsillectomy. Instrumental injuries remain notable, particularly with less experienced surgeons. Secondary hemorrhage is rare but requires vigilance.
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