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.