Dissection and snare method of tonsillectomy, hemostasis by ligature technique in a tertiary care center: A decade study

Background: Despite advances in surgical technique, postoperative hemorrhage remains a common cause of morbidity and mortality for patients following tonsillectomy. Attempts to reduce the morbidity of tonsillectomy have included changes to the surgical techniques and perioperative medications to reduce the risk of bleeding. Here, we did a decade study about ligature technique in tonsillectomy for the achievement of hemostasis and its effectiveness in controlling morbidity. Aim: The aim of this study was to analyze the posttonsillectomy hemorrhage rate when we use ligature technique in tonsillectomy procedure. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed data of all patients who underwent tonsillectomy by dissection and snare method in the ENT Department, Chengalpattu Medical College and Hospital, Tamil Nadu, between March 1, 2010, and February 29, 2020. The rate of postoperative hemorrhage after using ligature technique was measured and compared with other methods used in other studies. Results: Totally 12,536 patients who underwent tonsillectomy were analyzed in this study. Posttonsillectomy hemorrhage occurred only in 62 patients (0.494%). Only 14 (0.001)) patients required re-intubation and correction procedure. The hemorrhage rate was very minimal when compared with other techniques in other studies. Conclusion: We conclude that the ligature technique used in tonsillectomy for hemostasis remains one of the best methods even though it is an ancient method.