Autologous fibrin sealant reduces pain after tonsillectomy

A scoping review of randomized clinical trials for pain management in pediatric tonsillectomy and adenotonsillectomy

Objectives

To examine the volume, topics, and reporting trends in the published literature of randomized clinical trials for pharmacologic pain management of pediatric tonsillectomy and adenotonsillectomy and to identify areas requiring further research.

Data Sources

PubMed (National Library of Medicine and National Institutes of Health), Scopus (Elsevier), CINAHL (EBSCO), and Cochrane Library (Wiley).

Methods

A systematic search of four databases was conducted. Only randomized controlled or comparison trials examining pain improvement with a pharmacologic intervention in pediatric tonsillectomy or adenotonsillectomy were included. Data collected included demographics, pain-related outcomes, sedation scores, nausea/vomiting, postoperative bleeding, types of drug comparisons, modes of administration, timing of administration, and identities of the investigated drugs.

Results

One hundred and eighty-nine studies were included for analysis. Most studies included validated pain scales, with the majority using visual-assisted scales (49.21%). Fewer studies examined pain beyond 24 h postoperation (24.87%), and few studies included a validated sedation scale (12.17%). Studies have compared several different dimensions of pharmacologic treatment, including different drugs, timing of administration, modes of administration, and dosages. Only 23 (12.17%) studies examined medications administered postoperatively, and only 29 (15.34%) studies examined oral medications. Acetaminophen only had four self-comparisons.

Conclusion

Our work provides the first scoping review of pain and pediatric tonsillectomy. With drug safety profiles considered, the literature does not have enough data to determine which treatment regimen provides superior pain control in pediatric tonsillectomy. Even common drugs like acetaminophen and ibuprofen require further research for optimizing the treatment of posttonsillectomy pain. The heterogeneity in study design and comparisons weakens the conclusions of potential systematic reviews and meta-analyses. Future directions include more noninferiority studies of unique comparisons and more studies examining oral medications given postoperatively.

Article Commentary: Hemostats, Sealants, and Adhesives: A Practical Guide for the Surgeon

Hemostats, sealants, and adhesives are useful adjuncts to modern surgical procedures. To maximize their benefit, a surgeon needs to understand the safety, efficacy, usability, and cost of these agents. To be truly added to a surgeon's own toolbox, the operator must also have knowledge of when and how to best use these materials. This commentary is designed to succinctly facilitate this understanding and knowledge. A nomenclature and classification system based on group, category, and class has been created to help with this process and is provided here. By using this system, materials consisting of similar design and for common indications can be compared. For example, in this system, the three functional groups are hemostats, sealants, and adhesives. The hemostats may be divided into four categories: mechanical, active, flowable, and fibrin sealant. These hemostat categories are further subdivided into generic classes based on the composition of the approved materials. Similarly, categories and classes are provided for sealants and adhesives. In this commentary, the salient points with respect to the characteristics of these agents are presented. A discussion of when these agents can be used in specific indications and how they may be applied to achieve the best results is also provided.

Efficacy of pillar suture for post-tonsillectomy morbidity in children: a meta-analysis

Introduction

Several surgical techniques have been used during tonsillectomy to reduce complications.

Objectives

To assess the effects of pillar suture in conjunction with tonsillectomy as compared to tonsillectomy without suture in children.

Methods

Two authors independently searched five databases (PubMed, SCOPUS, Embase, the Web of Science, and the Cochrane database) for studies published as recent as December 2018. Of the included studies, we compared tonsillectomy and pillar suture in combination (suture groups) with tonsillectomy alone,without suture, (control group). Postoperative pain intensity and other morbidities (e.g., postoperative bleeding, palatal hematoma, discomfort, and pillar edema) were measured during the postoperative period.

Results

Postoperative bleeding [primary (OR = 0.47 [0.27; 0.81]) and secondary (OR = 0.14 [0.02; 0.78]) were significantly decreased in the pillar suture group compared to the control group. There were no significant differences between the two groups in postoperative pain at day 7 (SMD = −0.39 [−0.79; 0.00]), palatal hematoma (OR = 5.00 [0.22; 112.88]), palatal discomfort sensation (OR = 2.62 [0.60; 11.46]), site infection (OR = 5.27 [0.24; 113.35]), and velopharyngeal insufficiency (OR = 2.82 [0.11; 74.51]). By contrast, pillar edema (OR = 9.55 [4.29; 21.29]) was significantly increased in the pillar suture group compared to the control group.

Conclusions

Pillar suture combined with tonsillectomy may reduce postoperative bleeding incidence despite increasing pillar edema in pediatric tonsillectomy. Postoperative pain-relief, palatal hematoma, palatal discomfort sensation, site infection, and velopharyngeal insufficiency were not significantly altered compared to tonsillectomy alone. However, further studies are needed to corroborate the results of this study.

Effectiveness of fibrin coating in the management of web formation after laryngomicrosurgery

PURPOSE

To explore the effectiveness of fibrin coating in reducing web formation after endoscopic management of the anterior commissure of the larynx.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Using a spray device that is generally used for laparoscopic operations, we covered the wound with fibrin glue (Bolheal®) to avoid web formation. This technique was employed in cases wherein the anterior commissure was mainly managed by laser operation; the glue was sprayed after vaporization. Fibrinogen was first sprayed and the wound was properly soaked with a swab, which was followed by application of thrombin. We used this method in 17 cases and evaluated voice function by acoustic analysis - pitch perturbation quotient (PPQ) and amplitude perturbation quotient (APQ) - and maximum phonation time (MPT) before and after the operation.

RESULTS

No severe web formation was observed at three months after the operation. PPQ values improved from 3.048±2.801% to 0.653±0.463% (p<0.05, paired t-test). APQ values improved from 7.996±5.003% to 3.042±1.872% (p<0.05, paired t-test). Voice quality did not worsen in any of the cases. MPT values improved from 17.2±10.8s to 26.7±14.2s (p<0.05, paired t-test) Voice function improved 3months after the operation in all cases.

CONCLUSION

The fibrin coating method is an easy and effective approach to avoid web formation without creating cervical wounds in cases that require handling of the anterior commissure under laryngomicrosurgery.

Randomized study comparing inflammatory response after tonsillectomy versus tonsillotomy

To determine if there was a difference in the inflammatory reaction after tonsil surgery with "traditional" techniques (tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy or TA) compared to partial intracapsular tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy (PITA).

DESIGN

Randomized, double-blind study.

SETTING

tertiary care academic hospital. Children under the age of 16 years with a diagnosis of obstructive sleep disordered breathing were randomly allocated into three study groups: TA with electrocautery (n = 34), PITA with CO₂ laser (n = 30) and PITA with debrider (n = 28). All of the children underwent adenoidectomy with a current at the same surgical procedure.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

c-reactive protein level (CRP) was the primary endpoint. In addition, the following were assessed: white blood cells (WBC), neutrophils (NEU), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α). Pre- and post-procedure measurements were compared between the groups. Parents filled out a questionnaire daily during the first postoperative week assessing pain, swallowing and snoring. CRP levels ascended higher in the PITA groups after surgery (p = 0.023), WBC and NEU showed the same pattern, IL-6 levels were higher in PITA group and there was no difference in TNF-alpha levels between the two types of procedures. Postoperative pain and postoperative hemorrhage were significantly lower in the PITA groups as compared to the TA group (p = 0.01 and 0.048). PITA in comparison to TA is associated with lower morbidity; however, the inflammatory response does not differ significantly in the first 24 h after surgery. Additional long-term studies assessing efficacy of PITA are warranted.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level 1, prospective randomized controlled trial.

The efficacy of TachoComb on reducing postoperative complications after tonsillectomy in children

OBJECTIVE

A fibrinogen/thrombin-based collagen fleece (TachoComb) is a powerful topical hemostatic agent that has been widely used in various surgical specialties with a favorable outcome. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of TachoComb application on postoperative complications after tonsillectomy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 1633 children had undergone tonsillectomy with or without adenoidectomy were included in this study. After removal of both tonsils, 1057 patients (64.7%) were treated with TachoComb on the tonsillectomy site and 576 without TachoComb. Post-tonsillectomy pain, hemorrhage rates, re-admission rates, and emergency surgery rates for post-tonsillectomy hemorrhage were evaluated between patients who received TachoComb and those who did not.

RESULTS

TachoComb treatment significantly reduced post-tonsillectomy pain and emergency surgery rates for post-tonsillectomy hemorrhage. However, postoperative hemorrhage rate and re-admission rates for post-tonsillectomy hemorrhage were not statistically significant between TachoComb treatment group and control group. No patients had complications or adverse reactions after TachoComb treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of TachoComb after tonsillectomy significantly reduces pain and emergency surgery for severe post-tonsillectomy hemorrhage without an apparent adverse effect. Therefore, TachoComb may be a useful adjuvant in terms of efficacy and safety after tonsillectomy.

Hemostatic glues in tonsillectomy: A systematic review

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS

The aim of this study was to compare use of hemostatic glues to conventional techniques of intraoperative hemostasis for tonsillectomy.

STUDY DESIGN

A systematic review of the literature and meta-analysis.

METHODS

All published prospective controlled trials that compared hemostatic glues to conventional techniques of hemostasis were identified. We performed a meta-analysis of articles comparing fibrin sealant to electrocautery, and of those comparing electrocautery to electrocautery plus fibrin hemostasis.

RESULTS

Seven studies were identified that made qualifications for review, with a total of 748 patients. Outcome measures were postoperative hemorrhage recorded by investigators, and visual analogue scores of pain for day 1, day 3, and day 10 postoperatively. Use of fibrin sealant was not associated with a reduction in hemorrhage rates following tonsillectomy when compared to electrocautery (pooled relative risk [RR] 0.315; 95% confidence intervals [CI]: 0.047-2.093, 224 patients). No statistical difference in bleeding rate was seen between electrocautery hemostasis alone, compared to electrocautery with fibrin sealant (pooled RR 1.742; 95% CI: 0.433-7.005, 108 patients). No statistically significant difference in pain was identified.

CONCLUSIONS

Pain and bleeding are significant causes of morbidity post-tonsillectomy. We conclude that there is no significant evidence to support hemostatic glues over current techniques for reducing severity of these outcomes. Consequently, we do not recommended hemostatic glues for routine use in current clinical practice. Studies were generally of low quality and inadequately powered to detect a statistical difference, even when pooled. We advocate further research to facilitate future meta-analysis.

Fibrin Sealant: The Only Approved Hemostat, Sealant, and Adhesive-a Laboratory and Clinical Perspective

Background. Fibrin sealant became the first modern era material approved as a hemostat in the United States in 1998. It is the only agent presently approved as a hemostat, sealant, and adhesive by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The product is now supplied as patches in addition to the original liquid formulations. Both laboratory and clinical uses of fibrin sealant continue to grow. The new literature on this material also continues to proliferate rapidly (approximately 200 papers/year). Methods. An overview of current fibrin sealant products and their approved uses and a comprehensive PubMed based review of the recent literature (February 2012, through March 2013) on the laboratory and clinical use of fibrin sealant are provided. Product information is organized into sections based on a classification system for commercially available materials. Publications are presented in sections based on both laboratory research and clinical topics are listed in order of decreasing frequency. Results. Fibrin sealant remains useful hemostat, sealant, and adhesive. New formulations and applications continue to be developed. Conclusions. This agent remains clinically important with the recent introduction of new commercially available products. Fibrin sealant has multiple new uses that should result in further improvements in patient care.

Oral rinses, mouthwashes and sprays for improving recovery following tonsillectomy

BACKGROUND

This is an update of a Cochrane review first published in The Cochrane Library in Issue 1, 2010 and previously updated in 2011.Tonsillectomy is the surgical removal of lymphoid tissue, the palatine tonsil, which is located at the back of the throat. It is still commonly performed for patients who have recurrent bouts of acute tonsillitis. Although tonsillectomy is considered a fairly minor procedure, pain and bleeding are two of the most common complications; either may delay recovery and can on occasion lead to hospital readmission. Postoperative tonsillectomy medication should provide an adequate reduction in morbidity while minimising side effects, therefore topical agents would seem to be an ideal, safe option. A number of mouthwashes and topical sprays are available which offer pain relief or can help to reduce bleeding in the immediate postoperative period.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the effects of oral rinses, mouthwashes and sprays in improving recovery following tonsillectomy.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the Cochrane Ear, Nose and Throat Disorders Group Trials Register; the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL); PubMed; EMBASE; CINAHL; Web of Science; Cambridge Scientific Abstracts; ICTRP and additional sources for published and unpublished trials. The date of the most recent search was 4 July 2013.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included randomised controlled trials in which oral rinses, mouthwashes and sprays, used pre- and postoperatively, have been compared with placebo in adults or children undergoing tonsillectomy, with or without adenoidectomy.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two review authors selected trials for inclusion, assessed the risk of bias and extracted data independently.

MAIN RESULTS

We included seven trials (593 participants; 397 children and 196 adults). The period of follow-up ranged from 24 hours to two weeks. Few of the trials provided reliable data for the pre-specified primary outcomes and none for the secondary outcomes. The risk of bias was high in most of the included trials. Lidocaine spray appeared to be more effective than saline spray at reducing the severity of pain until the third postoperative day. A small number of participants experienced a burning or stinging sensation with benzydamine spray but not sufficient to discontinue usage.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Poor reporting quality and inadequate data did not permit comprehensive and reliable conclusions to be made. Future trials should be well-constructed and pay more attention to the methods used to assess outcomes, the timing of the assessments, and the quality of reporting and subsequent analysis of the data.

Circulating cytokines in patients undergoing tonsillectomy with fibrin glue

OBJECTIVE

Fibrin glue is used as a haemostatic agent or as a sealant. The aim of this study is to objectively evaluate the efficacy of the use of fibrin glue Quixil - a human surgical sealer - in tonsillectomy, for the reduction of post-operative inflammatory response.

STUDY DESIGN

A prospective randomized single-blind study.

METHODS

The study was performed on 40 consecutive patients undergoing adenotonsillectomy (T&A). Patients were randomly assigned to one of two sub-groups: a study group and a control group. The tonsillar beds of patients in the study group were coated with fibrin glue (Quixil, OMRIX biopharmaceuticals) at the end of the operation; the patients in the control group were treated for hemostasis without the use of fibrin glue. Complete blood counts and circulating pro-inflammatory cytokines (assayed by specific immunoassay - ELISA) were assessed in samples drawn pre- and 16 h post-tonsillectomy.

RESULTS

Forty patients (aged 5.8 ± 2.4 years) were consecutively enrolled; 45% (18) of the patients were treated with fibrin glue, 55% (22) were not. Compared to controls, Quixil-treated patients demonstrated a reduction in post-tonsillectomy circulating leukocytes (29.2% vs. 45.4%, p<0.05), neutrophiles (28.3% vs. 42.1%, p<0.05), IL-6 (+1% vs. +42%, p<0.05), and TNF-alpha (+8% vs. +26%, p<0.05.

CONCLUSIONS

Intra-operative fibrin glue therapy is associated with decreased immediate inflammatory response following T&A. Further studies are warranted to assess long-term outcome.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

1B.

Effect of fibrin-coated collagen fleece (TachoComb) on pain and bleeding after adenotonsillectomy in children

CONCLUSION

Even though the use of TachoComb does not decrease pain after tonsillectomy, it is safe and useful to reduce bleeding after tonsillectomy.

OBJECTIVES

Sealing the post-tonsillectomy wound would be expected to reduce pain and bleeding by decreasing the exposure of the traumatized tissue and sensory nerves. TachoComb is a powerful topical hemostatic agent. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the effect of TachoComb on reduction of pain and bleeding after tonsillectomy.

METHODS

A prospective randomized double-blind study was performed on 120 pediatric patients undergoing adenotonsillectomy. The patients were randomized into two groups: use/non-use of TachoComb. In the study group, each tonsillar bed was covered with a TachoComb strip at the end of operation. No hemostatic agents were used in the control group. After surgery, patients were monitored for pain, bleeding, oral intake, medication administration, activity, and complications using a 10-day diary.

RESULTS

In all, 110 patients returned and filled in the diary. The use of TachoComb did not decrease pain, reduce the use of analgesic drugs or speed recovery to normal everyday life. Post-surgery bleeding was not experienced by any of the TachoComb patients, but occurred in five of the control patients. The result had borderline statistical significance (p < 0.1).

Oral rinses, mouthwashes and sprays for improving recovery following tonsillectomy

BACKGROUND

This is an update of a Cochrane Review first published in The Cochrane Library in Issue 1, 2010.Tonsillectomy is the surgical removal of lymphoid tissue, the palatine tonsil, which is located at the back of the throat. It is still commonly performed for patients who have recurrent bouts of acute tonsillitis. Although tonsillectomy is considered a fairly minor procedure, pain and bleeding are two of the most common complications; either may delay recovery and can on occasion lead to hospital readmission. Postoperative tonsillectomy medication should provide an adequate reduction in morbidity while minimising side effects, therefore topical agents would seem to be an ideal, safe option. A number of mouthwashes and topical sprays are available which offer pain relief or can help to reduce bleeding in the immediate postoperative period.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the effects of oral rinses, mouthwashes and sprays in improving recovery following tonsillectomy.

SEARCH STRATEGY

We searched the Cochrane Ear, Nose and Throat Disorders Group Trials Register; the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL); PubMed; EMBASE; CINAHL; Web of Science; BIOSIS Previews; Cambridge Scientific Abstracts; ICTRP and additional sources for published and unpublished trials. The date of the most recent search was 22 April 2011.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included randomised controlled trials in which mouthwashes, used pre- and postoperatively, have been compared with placebo.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two review authors selected trials for inclusion, assessed the risk of bias and extracted data independently.

MAIN RESULTS

We included six trials (528 participants; 397 children and 131 adults). The period of follow up ranged from 24 hours to two weeks. Few of the trials provided reliable data for the pre-specified primary outcomes and none for the secondary outcomes. Lidocaine spray appeared to be more effective than saline spray at reducing the severity of pain but only until the third postoperative day. A small number of participants experienced a burning or stinging sensation with benzydamine spray but not sufficient to discontinue usage.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

The risk of bias was high in most of the included trials and poor reporting quality and inadequate data did not permit comprehensive and reliable conclusions to be made. Future trials should be well-constructed and pay more attention to the methods used to assess outcomes, the timing of the assessments, and the quality of reporting and subsequent analysis of the data.

A systematic review of faces scales for the self-report of pain intensity in children

CONTEXT

Numerous faces scales have been developed for the measurement of pain intensity in children. It remains unclear whether any one of the faces scales is better for a particular purpose with regard to validity, reliability, feasibility, and preference.

OBJECTIVES

To summarize and systematically review faces pain scales most commonly used to obtain self-report of pain intensity in children for evaluation of reliability and validity and to compare the scales for preference and utility.

METHODS

Five major electronic databases were systematically searched for studies that used a faces scale for the self-report measurement of pain intensity in children. Fourteen faces pain scales were identified, of which 4 have undergone extensive psychometric testing: Faces Pain Scale (FPS) (scored 0-6); Faces Pain Scale-Revised (FPS-R) (0-10); Oucher pain scale (0-10); and Wong-Baker Faces Pain Rating Scale (WBFPRS) (0-10). These 4 scales were included in the review. Studies were classified by using psychometric criteria, including construct validity, reliability, and responsiveness, that were established a priori.

RESULTS

From a total of 276 articles retrieved, 182 were screened for psychometric evaluation, and 127 were included. All 4 faces pain scales were found to be adequately supported by psychometric data. When given a choice between faces scales, children preferred the WBFPRS. Confounding of pain intensity with affect caused by use of smiling and crying anchor faces is a disadvantage of the WBFPRS.

CONCLUSIONS

For clinical use, we found no grounds to switch from 1 faces scale to another when 1 of the scales is in use. For research use, the FPS-R has been recommended on the basis of utility and psychometric features. Data are sparse for children below the age of 5 years, and future research should focus on simplified measures, instructions, and anchors for these younger children.

Oral rinses, mouthwashes and sprays for improving recovery following tonsillectomy

BACKGROUND

Tonsillectomy is the surgical removal of lymphoid tissue, the palatine tonsil, which is located at the back of the throat. It is still commonly performed for patients who have recurrent bouts of acute tonsillitis. Although tonsillectomy is considered a fairly minor procedure, pain and bleeding are two of the most common complications; either may delay recovery and can on occasion lead to hospital readmission. Postoperative tonsillectomy medication should provide an adequate reduction in morbidity while minimising side effects, therefore topical agents would seem to be an ideal, safe option. A number of mouthwashes and topical sprays are available which offer pain relief or can help to reduce bleeding in the immediate postoperative period.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the effects of oral rinses, mouthwashes and sprays in improving recovery following tonsillectomy.

SEARCH STRATEGY

We searched the Cochrane Ear, Nose and Throat Disorders Group Trials Register; CENTRAL, PubMed; EMBASE; CINAHL; AMED; ISI Web of Science; BIOSIS Previews; CAB Abstracts; LILACS; KoreaMed; IndMed; PakMediNet; China National Knowledge Infrastructure; NRR (National Research Register) Archive; mRCT (the metaRegister of Controlled Trials) and Google to March 2009.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included randomised controlled trials in which mouthwashes, used pre- and postoperatively, have been compared with placebo.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two review authors selected trials for inclusion, assessed the risk of bias and extracted data independently.

MAIN RESULTS

We included six trials (528 participants; 397 children and 131 adults). The period of follow up ranged from 24 hours to two weeks. Few of the trials provided reliable data for the pre-specified primary outcomes and none for the secondary outcomes. Lidocaine spray appeared to be more effective than saline spray at reducing the severity of pain but only until the third postoperative day. A small number of participants experienced a burning or stinging sensation with benzydamine spray but not sufficient to discontinue usage.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

The risk of bias was high in most of the included trials and poor reporting quality and inadequate data did not permit comprehensive and reliable conclusions to be made. Future trials should be well-constructed and pay more attention to the methods used to assess outcomes, the timing of the assessments and the quality of reporting and subsequent analysis of the data.

Making sense out of the tonsillectomy literature

BACKGROUND

With the increase in new technology and changing indications for tonsillectomy, the literature has exploded during the last 20 years with scores of publications reporting the relative effectiveness of many different techniques. Despite this "wealth of information," no single technique has been adopted by most surgeons.

OBJECTIVES

To systematically analyze the usefulness of this literature of the past 20 years concerning tonsillectomy technique in children. To propose the use of specific study parameters that could optimize clinical decision-making and future research.

METHODS

Detailed review of the methodologies and findings in articles which compared one or more tonsillectomy techniques in clinical trials of children, ages 1-23 years from 1987 through 2007.

RESULTS

The Medline search revealed 255 papers of which 89 studies were suitable for inclusion in our review. In these 89 studies (found in 87 papers), 9 dissection techniques, 3 planes of dissection, 8 methods of hemostasis, and 41 different outcome measures were reported. Forty-four (49%) were described as randomized, 63 (71%) prospective, 25 retrospective (28%), 1 case report, 1 matched pair, and 9 case series papers. Sixteen (18%) trials were non-blind, 23 (26%) were single blind, 17 (19%) were double blind, and 7 (8%) were not stated. Seventy-five (84%) were comparative and 14 (16%) non-comparative. Eight (9%) studies reported power analyses. Twelve (13%) had no follow-up; 67 (75%) of the studies performed had short-term follow-up in the peri-operative period; 10 (11%) had follow-up for greater than 1 year. Eleven (12%) mentioned outcomes related to the effectiveness of the procedure itself in relieving symptoms for which the surgery was done.

CONCLUSIONS

Tonsillectomy technique research is of obvious interest to the otolaryngologist. We found deficits in: the precise reporting of surgical techniques, adequate study design and useful outcome measures, all of which make the literature less useful than it could be. Guidelines for study design parameters which could lead to more valuable information for the clinician are suggested.

A prospective randomized double-blind trial of fibrin glue for reducing pain and bleeding after tonsillectomy

OBJECTIVES

Varying surgical techniques as well as a large selection of analgesics and other medications have been evaluated over the years in the hopes of reducing post-tonsillectomy pain. Several publications in recent years have demonstrated the efficacy of fibrin glue in reducing post-tonsillectomy bleeding and pain. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the effect of fibrin glue on pain and bleeding after tonsillectomy.

STUDY DESIGN

A prospective randomized double-blind study was performed on 168 consecutive patients undergoing tonsillectomy for obstructive sleep apnea and chronic tonsillitis.

METHODS

Patients were randomly assigned to the treatment protocol. In the study group, the tonsillar beds were coated with fibrin glue (Quixil, OMRIX biopharmaceuticals) at the end of the operation. Patients in the controlled group underwent tonsillectomy without the use of fibrin glue. The patients were then monitored for postoperative bleeding, and a patient-based pain assessment instrument was used to evaluate pain, ability to eat and analgesics consumption for 10 days after surgery.

RESULTS

Ninety-six patients returned for postoperative follow up and filled in the questionnaire. As our medical center is the only hospital in the southern district of Israel and we hospitalize every person who presents with post-tonsillectomy bleeding, we can assume that any patient from either group who presented with post-tonsillectomy bleeding would be familiar to us. Analysis showed that no statistically significant differences relating to postoperative pain, bleeding, use of analgesics and postoperative eating resumption were detected between the patients treated with fibrin glue and controls.

CONCLUSIONS

We cannot substantiate a significant beneficial effect of fibrin glue in post-tonsillectomy pain control, prevention of bleeding or facilitating eating and thus find no indication for the routine use of fibrin glue in tonsillectomy.

Electromyography in evaluation of pain after different types of tonsillectomy: prospective randomized study

BACKGROUND

Combined surface electromyography (sEMG) and visual analogue scale (VAS) pain assessment was performed on randomly assigned adults following tonsillectomy to research the effect of fibrin sealant (Group 1, n = 25), CO(2) laser (Group 2, n = 18) and electrocoagulation (Group 3, n = 40) on postsurgical pain.

METHODS

Timing and amplitude of sEMG activity of masseter, infrahyoid and submandibular muscles were measured during swallowing simultaneously with VAS assessment and compared to normative database.

RESULTS

Postsurgical electric activity of masseter and infrahyoid was significantly higher in comparison with normative database. sEMG and VAS data showed that tonsillectomy ended with fibrin sealant caused less pain than laser or electrocoagulation techniques with no correlation between the VAS score and duration of swallows.

CONCLUSION

Tonsillectomy affects muscle activity significantly by involving additional muscles (infrahyoid) in swallowing. Combined sEMG and VAS data indicated electrocautery as the most painful, laser as less painful, and fibrin sealant as the least painful technique.

Fibrin sealant reduces pain after tonsillectomy: prospective randomized study

OBJECTIVES

Postsurgical pain in adults following tonsillectomy with fibrin sealant or electrocoagulation was assessed by surface electromyography (sEMG), a dysphagia severity rating scale (DSRS), and a visual analog scale (VAS) pain

METHODS

For group 1 (n = 40), hemostasis was achieved by fibrin sealant spraying to the tonsillar fossae. For group 2 (n = 40), hemostasis was achieved by bipolar or needle point electrocautery. The timing of single swallowing and continuous drinking and the mean electrical activity of the masseter, infrahyoid, and submental-submandibular muscles were compared with a normative database during 30 days and with DSRS and VAS scores.

RESULTS

Electrical activity of the masseter and infrahyoid muscles was significantly higher in both groups in comparison with the normative database (p < .05 to p < .005), whereas timing was less affected. The combined sEMG, DSRS, and VAS assessment showed that tonsillectomy ended with sealant causes less pain than electrocoagulation (p < .05). The DSRS score data were in strong positive correlation with the sEMG records, whereas the VAS pain score was less informative.

CONCLUSIONS

The combined sEMG and pain score data indicate that the electrocautery hemostatic technique is more painful and traumatic than the sealant technique. Surface electromyography of swallowing is a simple, reliable evaluation method for postsurgical odynophagia complaints and might be used as an objective tool for pain assessment.

Can mucosal sealing reduce tonsillectomy pain?

OBJECTIVE/HYPOTHESIS

The hypothesis tests whether sealing the tonsillectomy field with posterior pillar mucosa can prevent unwanted outcomes in pediatric tonsillectomy.

STUDY DESIGN

A prospective, randomized, single blinded study was conducted on a sample of 39 children between 3 and 15 years of age. After dissection and snare tonsillectomy, the tonsillar fossa was covered on one side using the palatopharyngus mucosa and the other side is used as control. Pain scores, healing, edema and infection at the operation site were investigated.

METHODS

The tonsillectomy sites were randomly assigned into one of two groups. First group contained the ones with mucosal flap sealed over the operation site and the second group was kept as control with the operation site left uncovered. All of the patients received mild analgesics. The pain assessment is done on Days 1, 3, 5, 7 and 10 postoperatively, by using Wong-Baker faces visual analog scale. On the 10th postoperative day, the operation field of each side is scored separately for edema, healing and infection. Statistical investigation was performed through a software program.

RESULTS

On first postoperative day, pain level difference was not statistically significant between the two groups (p>0.01). But from 3rd to 10th postoperative day, the pain level was found out to be lower in the mucosa sealed site (p<0.01). On the 10th postoperative day, while the edema was significantly more (p<0.01), healing was better (p<0.01) at the sutured site. Postoperative infection at operation site was not different between the groups (p>0.01).

CONCLUSION

Covering tonsillectomy field with mucosal palatopharyngeal arch flap significantly reduces pain after third postoperative day. The flap side had better healing when compared to denuded site. But the sutures in the mucosal flap may cause more tissue edema. Sutures have no significant effect on postoperative infection. Thus, mucosal flap may be used as an adjuvant surgical technique to decrease tonsillectomy pain of children in addition to the analgesic medication.

Pain Reduction by Fibrin Sealant in Older Children and Adult Tonsillectomy

OBJECTIVES

Because tonsillectomy is a painful procedure in adults, this study was performed to see whether the addition of fibrin sealant (Tisseel) to the tonsillar fossa at the completion of tonsillectomy would reduce pain in adults and allow them to return to work sooner.

STUDY DESIGN

Forty adult patients over the age of 12 were entered into a prospective randomized study to see whether the addition of fibrin sealant (Tisseel) to the tonsillar fossa at the completion of tonsillectomy for recurrent tonsillitis would reduce the time the patient needed to take narcotic analgesics after surgery.

METHODS

Fifteen adults had a traditional complete tonsillectomy by means of a needle point Bovie and served as a control group. Twenty-five (adults had the same procedure with the addition of Tisseel to see how long they required narcotic analgesics postoperatively and when they were able to resume normal activities.

RESULTS

The control group took narcotics for an average of 10.3 days, whereas the addition of Tisseel reduced the time to 8.16 days (P = .0058). This significant reduction of time allowed adults to return to work and other activities sooner.

CONCLUSION

Because the time required to return to work is often of paramount interest to patients having surgery, Tisseel should be considered a safe addition to older children and adult tonsillectomy in patients who are not allergic to bovine products because it will allow an earlier return to normal activities.

Effect of modern fibrin glue on bleeding after tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy

We performed a prospective randomized study in 179 patients to examine the second-generation surgical fibrin sealant Quixil as an effective substitute for different types of electrocautery in tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy. We compared the rates of hemorrhagic complications in a group with bipolar or needle point electrocautery and in a group in whom fibrin glue was used to stop intraoperative bleeding and to prevent postoperative bleeding. The operations were performed under general anesthesia in typical fashion with sharp dissection. For the control group, hemostasis was achieved by bipolar or needle point electrocautery. For the fibrin glue group, hemostasis was achieved by spraying Quixil fibrin glue approximately 0.5 mL to each tonsillar fossa and 0.5 mL to the nasopharynx (in adenoidectomy). The results were excellent in all the patients of the fibrin glue group, with complete hemostasis and resolution of the major symptoms. In this group, the intraoperative blood loss averaged 15 mL in tonsillectomy and 9 mL in adenoidectomy. There were no cases of postoperative hemorrhage or any other complications. The electrocautery group required a longer time for healing, and its intraoperative blood loss (tonsillectomy) averaged 29 to 33 mL. The incidence of posttonsillectomy bleeding in this group was 4.35% (4 patients). Three patients (3.26%) had primary hemorrhage (bleeding that occurs within the first 24 hours of surgery), and 1 patient (1.09%) had secondary hemorrhage (bleeding that occurs after the first 24 hours). We conclude that Quixil fibrin glue application to the operative sites in tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy provides effective hemostasis and sealing with good systemic and local compatibility. With the help of Quixil, we minimized surgical trauma and achievedabsolute hemostasis at the same time. We found this fibrin glue to be a more convenient and effective hemostatic sealant than bipolar or needle point coagulation.