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A study of haemostasis following tonsillectomy comparing ligatures with diathermy

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 June 2007

M. G. Watson*
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, Freeman Hospital, Newcastle NE7 7DN, the Department of Otolaryngology
P. J. D. Dawes
Affiliation:
District General Hospital, Sunderland SR4 7TP and the Department of Medical Statistics
P. R. Samuel
Affiliation:
District General Hospital, Sunderland SR4 7TP and the Department of Medical Statistics
H. F. Marshall
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, Freeman Hospital, Newcastle NE7 7DN, the Department of Otolaryngology
C. Rayappa
Affiliation:
District General Hospital, Sunderland SR4 7TP and the Department of Medical Statistics
J. Hill
Affiliation:
District General Hospital, Sunderland SR4 7TP and the Department of Medical Statistics
D. Meikle
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, Freeman Hospital, Newcastle NE7 7DN, the Department of Otolaryngology
G. E. Murty
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, Freeman Hospital, Newcastle NE7 7DN, the Department of Otolaryngology
J. A. J. Deans
Affiliation:
District General Hospital, Sunderland SR4 7TP and the Department of Medical Statistics
G. Telios
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, Freeman Hospital, Newcastle NE7 7DN, the Department of Otolaryngology
C. Aldren
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, Freeman Hospital, Newcastle NE7 7DN, the Department of Otolaryngology
J. P. Birchall
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, Freeman Hospital, Newcastle NE7 7DN, the Department of Otolaryngology
A. J. N. Pritchard
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, Freeman Hospital, Newcastle NE7 7DN, the Department of Otolaryngology
J. Livesey
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, Freeman Hospital, Newcastle NE7 7DN, the Department of Otolaryngology
D. Appleton
Affiliation:
Medical School, University of Newcastle-upon-Tyne.
*
G. Watson, F. R.C.S., Consultant ENT Surgeon, Doncaster Royal Infirmary, Armthorpe Road, Doncaster DN2 5LT. Fax: (0302) 761205

Abstarct

The use of diathermy to achieve haemostasis after tonsillectomy remains controversial. We have reviewed the English language literature, and found no convincing evidence that diathermy is any more likely to cause post-operative haemorrhage than the use of ligatures. The results of a prospective, randomized study of 1036 consecutive tonsillectomies are presented. No significant difference was found in post-operative haemorrhage rates when either diathermy or ligatures were used. Diathermy was found to reduce operating time compared to ligatures. The possibilities for day-case tonsillectomy are discussed.

Type
Main Articles
Copyright
Copyright © JLO (1984) Limited 1993

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