Abstract

OBJECTIVE: In this study, it was aimed to reduce pain morbidity and provide early return to social life through early oral feeding by covering the tonsillar fossa with mucosal flaps during tonsillectomy.

METHODS: This randomized controlled trial was conducted with a total of 231 patients (160 males, 71 females; mean age: 9.7±9.1 years; range, 2 to 57 years) who underwent tonsillectomy between April 2012 and April 2019. Patients were divided into two groups: the study group (n=158; 105 males, 53 females; mean age: 9.1±9.2 years; range, 2 to 57 years), in which tonsillectomy with the classic cold knife technique and covering the tonsillar fossa with mucosal flaps was performed, and the control group (n=73; 55 males, 18 females; mean age: 10.9±8.8 years; range, 2 to 51 years), in which tonsillectomy with the classic cold knife technique was applied. Postoperative pain complaints, painless nutrition, and operation time were evaluated.

RESULTS: The mean operation time was 46 min in the study group and 38 min in the control group. A statistically significant difference was observed between the groups in mean operation time, postoperative pain, and painless nutrition (p<0.001). No significant complications were observed in both groups.

CONCLUSION: Tonsillectomy by covering the tonsillar fossa with mucosal flaps method significantly decreased postoperative pain and facilitated painless nutrition.