Abstract
Objectives:
The current study is a follow-up to a previous study determining the efficacy of a truly novel material for use during tonsillectomy to improve post-operative pain. The goal of the current study is to further evaluate its use and analyze possible post-operative pain reduction using the material.
Methods:
This is a prospective single blinded evaluation of Biodesign tissue grafts (COOK Medical) with patients serving as self-controls. This study involved adult patients undergoing tonsillectomy for chronic tonsillitis or as part of Uvulopalato-pharyngoplasty (UPPP) for sleep apnea surgery. Biodesign was fashioned and then sutured into the right tonsillar fossa using a combination of 2.0 polysorb (Covidien) and 2.0 chromic suture. The left tonsil was closed without Biodesign. If a palatoplasty was performed, it was left to granulate with secondary intention. Post-operatively, the patients filled out a diet and narcotic log for 14 days and a visual analog pain scale for 10 days. A total of 25 patients were studied in this prospective, single blinded study.
Results:
Closure technique is important in reducing post-operative pain with Biodesign. Closure of the tonsillar fossa resulted in higher pain than without closure. Further, time for placement remains a barrier for wide-spread adoption. The tissue grafts integrated well into the native tissue, and there were no incidents of aspiration.
Conclusions:
The tissue handles well and would be amenable for coverage of other soft-tissue defects in the upper aerodigestive tract.
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