Influence of meteorological conditions on post-tonsillectomy haemorrhage.

AIM

To evaluate the relationship between the incidence of primary post-tonsillectomy haemorrhage and the daily weather condition, over a five-year period.

STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING

This was a retrospective study carried out in the ENT department of the Split University Hospital between January 2000 and December 2004.

RESULTS

Out of 3377 patients undergoing tonsillectomy, primary post-operative haemorrhage occurred in 83 (2.5 per cent). The season, daily atmospheric pressure and daily change in atmospheric pressure did not have any significant influence on post-tonsillectomy haemorrhage incidence. However, there was a statistically significant increase in the incidence of primary post-operative haemorrhage when cyclonic conditions prevailed (p = 0.035).

CONCLUSION

The incidence of primary post-tonsillectomy haemorrhage in our study population was 2.5 per cent. Avoiding tonsillectomy during cyclonic weather conditions may reduce the incidence of primary post-tonsillectomy haemorrhage.