Blood splash from different diathermy instruments during tonsillectomy.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

To compare the potential risk of blood contamination of the surgeon's conjunctiva during tonsillectomy using disposable bipolar diathermy and reusable monopolar diathermy.

DESIGN:

A prospective, single-blind, randomized, controlled trial.

METHODS:

Elective tonsillectomy was performed using either disposable bipolar diathermy or reusable monopolar diathermy. The operating surgeon wore a ViewsafeTM protective eyeshield which was later examined under an operating microscope by a blinded observer and the number of blood spots counted.

RESULTS:

One hundred and sixty-eight patients were enrolled. The relative risk of conjunctival contamination of the surgeon using disposable bipolar diathermy was 2.8 times that with reusable monopolar diathermy (chi-squared test, p < 0.0005). A previous history of peritonsillar abscess and additional adenoidectomy were associated with increased blood splatter.

CONCLUSION:

The use of disposable bipolar diathermy for haemostasis during tonsillectomy poses a greater risk of conjunctival contamination for the surgeon than using reusable monopolar diathermy.

• Authors: B C Hanna, P Thompson, C Smyth, G Gallagher
• Journal: The Journal of laryngology and otology (J Laryngol Otol) Vol. 120 Issue 11 Pg. 927-31 (Nov 2006) ISSN: 1748-5460 [Electronic] England
• PMID: 16870035 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial)

Topics

• Adolescent
• Adult
• Blood
• Blood Loss, Surgical (prevention & control)
• Blood-Borne Pathogens
• Child
• Child, Preschool
• Conjunctiva
• Diathermy (instrumentation)
• Disposable Equipment
• Equipment Reuse
• Eye Protective Devices
• Female
• Humans
• Infection Control
• Infectious Disease Transmission, Patient-to-Professional (prevention & control)
• Male
• Northern Ireland
• Single-Blind Method
• Tonsillectomy (instrumentation)
• Tonsillitis (surgery)