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).