A prospective clinical study on the efficacy of preoperative intravenous tranexamic acid in reducing operative time and blood loss during tonsillectomy.

Dr. Sathiyamoorthy  Karunakaran; Dr. Aishwarya   Panneerselvam; Dr. Tamilarasi  Panneerselvam

doi:10.51168/sjhrafrica.v6i12.2201

Authors

Dr. Sathiyamoorthy Karunakaran Assistant Professor, MS Ent, PSP Medical College and Hospital.
Dr. Aishwarya Panneerselvam Assistant professor, MD anaesthesia, ACS Medical College and Hospital.
Dr. Tamilarasi Panneerselvam Senior Resident, MD, Immunohematology and Transfusion Medicine, SRM Medical College and Hospital.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51168/sjhrafrica.v6i12.2201

Keywords:

Bleeding, Haemostasis, hemorrhage, operative time, post-operative pain, primary hemorrhage

Abstract

Background:

Tranexamic acid is widely used in surgical practice to stabilise clot formation by inhibiting fibrinolysis. This study measured the effect of preoperative intravenous tranexamic acid on operative time and intraoperative blood loss during tonsillectomy.

Aim:

To determine whether preoperative intravenous tranexamic acid reduces intraoperative blood loss and shortens operative time during tonsillectomy.

Methods:

A prospective controlled clinical study was conducted in the Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Adichunchanagiri Institute of Medical Sciences, Mandya district. Participants were aged 4 to 50 years and met the inclusion criteria for tonsillectomy. A total of 107 patients were analysed, with 53 receiving tranexamic acid and 54 serving as controls. Blood loss was measured using pre- and postoperative weight assessments of surgical materials. Operative time was recorded from incision to completion of haemostasis. Data were analysed using t-test, chi-square, mean, and standard deviation.

Results:
The study group comprised 53 participants (all age groups and both sexes), and the control group comprised 54 participants. Mean operative time was 58.2 minutes (SD 9.94) in the tranexamic acid group and 63.7 minutes (SD 15) in the control group (P = 0.028). In the study group, the entire cohort achieved haemostasis within 80 minutes, whereas 13 percent of the control group exceeded 80 minutes.

Conclusion:

Preoperative intravenous tranexamic acid reduced operative time and improved haemostasis during tonsillectomy in this cohort. The findings support its use as an adjunct for intraoperative bleeding control.

Recommendation:

Routine use of tranexamic acid can be considered in suitable tonsillectomy candidates to optimise operative efficiency and reduce blood loss.

Author Biographies

Dr. Sathiyamoorthy Karunakaran, Assistant Professor, MS Ent, PSP Medical College and Hospital.

is an Assistant Professor of Otorhinolaryngology with clinical experience in head and neck surgery and perioperative haemostasis.

Dr. Aishwarya Panneerselvam, Assistant professor, MD anaesthesia, ACS Medical College and Hospital.

is an Assistant Professor in Anaesthesiology with expertise in perioperative care and airway management.

Dr. Tamilarasi Panneerselvam , Senior Resident, MD, Immunohematology and Transfusion Medicine, SRM Medical College and Hospital.

is a Senior Resident in Immunohaematology and Transfusion Medicine with experience in blood component management and operative support.

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