THE INFLUENCE OF BISMUTH SUBGALLATE AND ADRENALINE PAST UPON OPERATING TIME AND OPERATIVE BLOOD-LOSS IN TONSILLECTOMY

The aims of this study were to demonstrate the effect of bismuth subga llate and adrenaline paste application to the tonsillar fossae on oper ating time and peroperative blood loss during tonsillectomy. Ninety-ei ght patients were included in a prospective randomized trial. Bismuth subgallate powder is mixed with 10 ml of normal saline and 0.03 ml of 1:1000 adrenaline to make a paste. This paste is used as topical haemo static agent during tonsillectomy. Bismuth subgallate activates Factor XII and therefore accelerates the coagulation cascade. Adrenaline cau ses vasoconstriction and promotes platelet aggregation. The applicatio n of bismuth subgallate and adrenaline paste to the tonsillar fossae d uring tonsillectomy reduces operating time by 23 per cent for Consulta nt staff (p <0.05) and 32 per cent for Junior staff (p<0.05). Blood lo ss is reduced by 21 per cent (p>0.05), for the average paediatric tons illectomy.