Postoperative hemorrhage following tonsillectomy in adults: Analysis of population-based inpatient cohort in Taiwan

Objective: Because of the lack of population-based analyses, this study elucidated the epidemiology and 30-day postoperative complications of inpatient adult tonsillectomies in Taiwan. Methods: Using the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database, we identified all inpatient adult tonsillectomies (age > 20 years) in Taiwan during 1997–2012 through International Codes of Diseases, 9th Revision. Trend of the inpatient tonsillectomy in adult during the study period was explored. Major complications of readmission, reoperation, and mortality within 30 days after tonsillectomies were identified. Factors associated with major complications were analyzed using multivariate logistic model. Results: In total, 27,365 adults received inpatient tonsillectomies (mean age, 38.4 ± 13.0 years; 57.2% male). The overall incidence was 10.2 per 100,000 population per year among adults. Incidence rates increased from 1997 (8.2/100,000 adults) to 2012 (11.2/100,000 adults) (P trend < 0.001). The rate of readmission for any reason, readmission for bleeding, reoperation for bleeding, and mortality were 4.9%, 2.2%, 1%, and 0.1%, respectively. Young age increased the risk of bleeding-related readmission and reoperation, whereas old age increased the risk of readmission for any reason and mortality. Male gender increased the risk of all major complications. Hypertension was associated with an increased risk of bleeding-related readmission (odds ratio [OR] = 2.21; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.68–2.92) and reoperation (OR = 2.17; 95% CI 1.44–3.27). Existing catastrophic illness increased the risk of readmission (OR = 4.28; 95% CI 3.60–5.08) for any reason and mortality (OR = 3.24; 95% CI 1.37–7.65). Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and steroids were associated with an increased risk of readmission or reoperation for bleeding. Conclusion: Incidence rates of inpatient adult tonsillectomy increased during 1997–2012 in Taiwan. Age, gender, comorbidity, and drug administration characteristics were associated with major complications of adult tonsillectomies in this cohort. ? 2018 Elsevier B.V.