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Experience is more important than technology in paediatric post-tonsillectomy bleeding

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  10 April 2017

A D Hinton-Bayre ,
K Noonan ,
S Ling  and
S Vijayasekaran
A D Hinton-Bayre*
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Princess Margaret Hospital for Children, Perth, Australia Ear Science Centre, School of Surgery, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
K Noonan
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Princess Margaret Hospital for Children, Perth, Australia
S Ling
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Princess Margaret Hospital for Children, Perth, Australia
S Vijayasekaran
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Princess Margaret Hospital for Children, Perth, Australia Otolaryngology Unit, School of Surgery, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
*
Address for correspondence: Dr Anton Hinton-Bayre, Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Princess Margaret Hospital for Children, Roberts Road, Subiaco, WA 6008, Australia E-mail: [email protected]
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Abstract

Background:

Paediatric tonsillectomy is a common procedure and one of the first skills acquired by surgical trainees. Post-tonsillectomy bleeding is one of the most significant complications. This study examined post-tonsillectomy bleed rates associated with technology and level of surgical experience.

Methods:

Data were collected on all tonsillectomies performed by surgical consultants (n = 6) and trainees (n = 10) at affiliated hospitals over a nine-month period. Hospital records were audited for post-tonsillectomy bleeding re-admissions and returns to the operating theatre.

Results:

A total of 1396 tonsillectomies were performed (279 by trainees, 1117 by consultant surgeons). Primary post-tonsillectomy bleed rates were equivalent between trainees and consultants. Secondary bleed rates were significantly greater for trainees (10.0 per cent) compared to consultants (3.3 per cent), as were return to operating theatre rates (2.5 per cent vs 0.7 per cent). Amongst consultants, technology used was not associated with differences in secondary post-tonsillectomy bleeding and returns to the operating theatre.

Conclusion:

Our data suggest that experience of the surgeon may have greater bearing on post-tonsillectomy bleed rates than the technology used.

Keywords

TonsillectomyBleedingHemorrhageLearning Curve
Type
Main Articles
Information
The Journal of Laryngology & Otology , Volume 131 , Supplement S2: ASOHNS Supplement , July 2017 , pp. S35 - S40
Copyright
Copyright © JLO (1984) Limited 2017 

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Footnotes

Presented at the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons Regional Joint Annual Scientific Meeting (for Western Australia, Northern Territory and South Australia), 8–10 August 2014, Bunker Bay, Western Australia, Australia.

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