Temporal fluctuations of post-tonsillectomy haemorrhage

Time-related variations in viability of random pattern skin flaps: An experimental study in rats

Chronobiological variations are in the fabric of life. The first ideas regarding the possible effects of circadian rhythm on surgical outcomes were published in the early 2000s. Some studies support and oppose this idea. The lack of experimental evidence in a controlled setting has led to this study. This study aimed to explore the chronobiological implications of surgical outcomes. The rats were divided into four groups. A random pattern dorsal skin flaps were elevated in all groups at six h intervals. Flap necrosis rates and melatonin, oxidant, and antioxidant factors were studied. Flap survival was better in the 06:00 h group. The flap necrosis was higher in the 18:00 h group. Some of the biochemical parameters displayed circadian variations. As an independent variable, the time of surgical intervention changed the flap survival rates. It should be noted that the study was held in a nocturnal animal model thus the pattern of flap survival can be in reversed fashion in a clinical scenario. This study is the first experimental evidence for "Chronosurgery" in a controlled setting. Further studies in all aspects of surgical disciplines are required.

Study of Patients’ Return to Surgery Post-Tonsillectomy and/or Adenoidectomy: A Relation Between Patient Age and Timing of Uncontrolled Bleeding

Background: Tonsillectomy and/or adenoidectomy (T/A) are common surgical procedures. Postoperative uncontrolled bleeding is a well-established complication; however, the relation between certain variables and uncontrolled bleeding are unclear. Methods: We explored the Pennsylvania Patient Safety Reporting System database for event reports that described a patient who had a T/A procedure and later returned to surgery to control bleeding. We analyzed the post-T/A bleeding events according to numerous variables, such as patient sex and age, timing of the bleed, procedure performed (i.e., tonsillectomy and/or adenoidectomy), and bleeding site. Results: We identified 219 event reports from 56 healthcare facilities over a four-year period. The study revealed that 78% of the patients were discharged and then returned to surgery to control bleeding. Patients ranged in age from 1–45 years and 53% were female. Among the 219 events, 41% were a primary bleed (0–1 postoperative days) and 59% were a secondary bleed (2–30 postoperative day). Additionally, 0–1 days and 6–7 days after operation were the periods when patients most frequently returned to surgery (range of 0–30 days). We expanded upon much of the previous research by exploring the relation between patient age and days postoperative return to surgery. We found that a majority of patients in age categories 1–10, 11–20, and 21–30 years had a secondary bleed; in contrast, a majority of patients age 31–45 had a primary bleed. Conclusion: Our findings indicate that the post-T/A timing of uncontrolled bleeding may vary systematically as a function of patient age; however, future research is needed to better understand this topic. We encourage readers to use our findings, along with findings from previous research, to inform their practice and strategies to mitigate risk of patient harm.