The Benefit of Alum in Tonsillectomy

Abstract

Background: Tonsillectomy is one of the frequent operations performed by Otolaryngologists world over. Otolaryngologists are in search of a technique of tonsillectomy where the operation time and operative blood loss is less. This study was carried out to evaluate the effect of aluminium potassium sulfate on tonsillectomy time, blood loss during the surgery and the number of ties used. Patients & Methods: A prospective trial of 45 consecutive patients was carried out, in which tonsillectomy was performed using aluminium potassium sulfate (>99% pure) as haemostatic agent on one side and gauze pack on the other side. Results: Application of aluminium potassium sulfate in the tonsillar fossae reduced the operation time by 28.6%, the operative blood loss by 19.7% and the number of ties used by 33.3% in regard to control side. All these results were statistically significant. Conclusion: Local application of aluminium potassium sulfate on to Conclusion:nsillar bed in tonsillectomy is beneficial in regard to decreased volume of blood loss, procedure time, and number of ties used.