The Utility and Safety of Prophylactic Tranexamic Acid in Tonsillectomy: A Systematic Review and Meta‐analysis
2024

The Use of Tranexamic Acid in Tonsillectomy

Sample size: 10 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Hussein Smaily, Patrick Cherfane

Primary Institution: Laval University

Hypothesis

Does prophylactic tranexamic acid reduce posttonsillectomy hemorrhage?

Conclusion

Prophylactic tranexamic acid may reduce the rate of posttonsillectomy hemorrhage, especially when studies with high risk of bias are excluded.

Supporting Evidence

  • Prophylactic TXA showed a non-significant decrease in posttonsillectomy hemorrhage.
  • Sensitivity analysis indicated a significant decrease in hemorrhage when excluding high-risk bias studies.
  • Intraoperative blood loss was significantly lower in the TXA group.

Takeaway

This study looked at whether giving a medicine called tranexamic acid before tonsil surgery helps stop bleeding afterward. It found that it might help, but only if we ignore some less reliable studies.

Methodology

A systematic review of randomized controlled trials comparing prophylactic tranexamic acid to control in patients undergoing tonsillectomy.

Potential Biases

Some studies included had a high risk of bias, which may affect the overall findings.

Limitations

Variability in surgical techniques, TXA dosages, and definitions of posttonsillectomy hemorrhage across studies.

Participant Demographics

Included both children and adults, with some studies focusing solely on pediatric patients.

Statistical Information

P-Value

0.24

Confidence Interval

[0.35, 1.10]

Statistical Significance

p=0.24

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1002/ohn.973

Want to read the original?

Access the complete publication on the publisher's website

View Original Publication