FloSeal with Adenotonsillectomy to Prevent Adverse Outcomes

Objective: The aim of study was to compare the postoperative complications associated with adenotonsillectomy with or without the application of FloSeal at the completion of the procedure in 2 similar groups. Method: This retrospective study was performed at a tertiary care pediatric hospital between January 2007 and December 2008, for OSA and chronic tonsillitis in patients between 1 and 18 years old. Eight hundred patients underwent adenotonsillectomy in an identical manner, with half reciving FloSeal intraoperatively. Outcomes measured were: hemorrhage, return to OR, and dehydration. Results: Age ranged from 1 to 18 years. Male gender was found to have a slight predominance without statistical significance (χ2 = 0.01, P = .93). Preoperative diagnosis was more commonly OSA (79.9%) compared to chronic tonsillitis (20.1%). Primary bleed rate was found to occur in 2 subjects (0.3%); 1 FloSeal and 1 No FloSeal subject (χ2 = 0.004, P = .95). Secondary bleeding was seen in 18 subjects (2.5%); 11 FloSeal and 7 No FloSeal (χ2 = 1.32, P = .25). Dehydration was seen in 51 subjects (7.1%); 24 FloSeal and 27 No FloSeal (χ2 = 0.01, P = .92). The need for return to OR was seen in 7 subjects (1%); 5 FloSeal and 2 No FloSeal (χ2 = 1.59, P = .21). Conclusion: In our experience, the application of FloSeal hemostatic matrix after monopolar adenotonsillectomy demonstrates no additional reduction in postoerative complications encountered in the pediatric population.