A Comparative Study of Role of Feracrylum Vs Hydrogen Peroxide in Control of Bleeding In Tonsillectomy

Abstract

Background: Tonsillectomy remains one of the most frequently performed otolaryngological procedures worldwide. Hemorrhage, both intraoperative and postoperative, continues to be its most significant complication. Hydrogen peroxide has traditionally been used as a topical hemostatic agent owing to its effervescent action, but its hemostatic efficacy is limited. Feracrylum, a polyacrylic acid derivative with strong hemostatic and antimicrobial properties, has recently gained attention as a topical alternative. This study aimed to compare the hemostatic efficacy and safety of Feracrylum versus hydrogen peroxide in controlling hemorrhage during tonsillectomy.

Methods: A comparative study was conducted over two years at the Department of ENT, Government General Hospital, Kurnool, on 30 patients undergoing tonsillectomy. Each patient underwent bilateral tonsillectomy by the dissection and snare method. The right tonsillar fossa (Group A) was packed with gauze soaked in 5 ml of hydrogen peroxide, and the left tonsillar fossa (Group B) with gauze soaked in 5 ml of Feracrylum. Blood loss was measured separately on each side using pre- and postoperative gauze weights and suction volumes. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS v20, with p < 0.05 considered significant.

Results: The mean total blood loss in the hydrogen peroxide group was 40.13 ± 12.44 ml, significantly higher than the Feracrylum group (24.07 ± 8.70 ml; p < 0.001). Blood soaked in gauze and suction volumes were consistently lower in the Feracrylum group. No cases of reactionary or secondary hemorrhage were observed in the Feracrylum group, whereas minor bleeding episodes occurred in the hydrogen peroxide group. Postoperative infection rates were also lower in the Feracrylum group.

Conclusion: Feracrylum demonstrates superior hemostatic efficacy compared to hydrogen peroxide in tonsillectomy, with reduced intraoperative blood loss, fewer postoperative hemorrhagic events, and better infection control. It represents a promising and safe topical agent in tonsillectomy practice.