What does a classical dissection tonsillectomy involve, and what are its potential drawbacks?

A classical dissection tonsillectomy involves the removal of the tonsils using a cold knife or blunt dissection, often followed by electrocautery to control bleeding. While effective at removing the tonsils, this method can lead to significant postoperative pain and the risk of bleeding during recovery.

What are sutures and Surgicel, and how were they used in the context of the tonsillectomy study?

Sutures are used to close the tonsillar fossa after tonsil removal, aiming to reduce bleeding by physically closing off blood vessels. Surgicel is a hemostatic agent applied to the surgical site to promote blood clotting. The study examined whether combining these two methods would reduce both bleeding and pain following a tonsillectomy.

What were the main findings of the study regarding the use of sutures and Surgicel after tonsillectomy?

The study showed that using sutures combined with Surgicel after a tonsillectomy did decrease the incidence of postoperative bleeding. However, it also resulted in increased pain levels for patients. This suggests a trade-off between reducing the risk of bleeding and managing postoperative pain.

How was the study designed to ensure the results were reliable and free from bias?

The researchers implemented a prospective, randomized, double-blind clinical trial. This means patients were randomly assigned to a treatment or control group, and neither the patients, their parents, nor the study nurse knew which treatment each patient received. This design helps minimize bias and ensures that the results are as objective as possible.

Besides sutures and Surgicel, what other techniques are used in tonsillectomies, and what further research could be done in this area?

While the study focused on sutures and Surgicel, other methods such as monopolar or bipolar electrocautery, lasers, harmonic scalpel, or microdebriders are also used in tonsillectomies. Future research could explore combining these alternative techniques with sutures or Surgicel to identify the most effective approach for minimizing both pain and bleeding, potentially leading to more personalized treatment plans based on individual patient needs and risk factors.

Surreal illustration of a throat with sutures and Surgicel, symbolizing tonsillectomy recovery.

Sore Throat Relief: Sutures, Surgicel, or a Soothing Combination?

Jordan Keane in Health & Wellness November 2025 • 4 min read.

"A deep dive into managing post-tonsillectomy pain and bleeding, exploring if combining suturing and Surgicel offers the best comfort."

Tonsillectomies are a common procedure, especially among children. While the surgery itself is relatively straightforward, the recovery period can be challenging due to postoperative pain and the risk of bleeding. Several techniques have been developed to minimize these complications, each with its own set of pros and cons. Understanding these approaches is crucial for anyone considering or undergoing a tonsillectomy.

Traditional methods involve dissection with either monopolar or bipolar electrocautery, lasers, harmonic scalpel, or microdebriders. All of which aim to remove the tonsils effectively, but they often come with drawbacks like significant postoperative discomfort and the potential for bleeding.

The question remains: how can we make the recovery process more comfortable and safer for patients? A recent study investigated whether combining suturing (closing the tonsillar fossa) with Surgicel application could be the answer, aiming to reduce bleeding and pain following a classical dissection tonsillectomy.

Sutures and Surgicel: Do They Really Make a Difference?

Surreal illustration of a throat with sutures and Surgicel, symbolizing tonsillectomy recovery.

A study published in The Journal of Craniofacial Surgery explored the effectiveness of using sutures combined with Surgicel (a hemostatic agent) to manage post-tonsillectomy complications. The study involved 760 patients undergoing tonsillectomy or adenotonsillectomy and aimed to determine if this combined approach could reduce postoperative bleeding and pain. Let’s break down the key aspects of this research.

The research was designed as a prospective, randomized, double-blind clinical trial, ensuring minimal bias. Here’s how the study was conducted:

Patient Selection: Patients aged 4 to 35 years were included, with exclusion criteria such as hemorrhagic disorders, chronic diseases, and peritonsillar abscess.
Surgical Procedure: All patients underwent a classical dissection tonsillectomy, where the tonsils were removed using a cold knife or blunt dissection, followed by electrocautery for hemostasis.
Intervention: One tonsillar fossa was randomly assigned to the treatment group (Group 1), where sutures were used to close the fossa, followed by Surgicel application. The other side was left unaltered as a control (Group 2).
Postoperative Evaluation: Pain levels were assessed daily for 10 days postoperatively, and any instances of bleeding were recorded. Patients, parents, and the study nurse were all blinded to which procedure was performed on each side.

The results revealed a mixed bag of outcomes. While the combined approach of suturing and Surgicel application did decrease the incidence of postoperative bleeding, it also led to increased pain levels. Specifically:

Making Informed Choices About Tonsillectomy Recovery

Recovering from a tonsillectomy involves navigating potential pain and bleeding. This study sheds light on the effects of combining suturing with Surgicel, revealing a trade-off between reduced bleeding and increased pain. By understanding these nuances, patients and healthcare providers can make more informed decisions about managing post-tonsillectomy recovery, optimizing for both comfort and safety.