Effect of Topical Propolis on Wound Healing Process After Tonsillectomy: Randomized Controlled Study

OBJECTIVES: The post-tonsillectomy pain and post-tonsillectomy hemorrhage are the two main problems after tonsillectomy. The aim of this study was to investigate the beneficial effects of water soluble ethanol extract propolis on post-tonsillectomy patient. METHODS: One hundred and thirty patients who underwent tonsillectomy or adenotonsillectomy were randomly divided into the control and propolis groups, each including 65 patients. The propolis group was applied with propolis orally immediately after surgery and by gargle. The pain scores were assessed on post-tonsillectomy 0, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 7th–10th day using a visual analogue scale score. Postoperative wound healing was evaluated by scoring pinkish membrane of tonsillar fossae on postoperative days 3 and 7–10. The incidence of post-tonsillectomy bleeding was examined in each group. RESULTS: Post-tonsillectomy pain was significantly less in propolis group compared to control group on postoperative days 3 and 7–10. Post-tonsillectomy hemorrhage was significantly less in the propolis group compared to the control group (P<0.05). The wound healing was significantly better in the propolis group compared to the control group on postoperative day 7–10 (P=0.002). CONCLUSION: Applying the propolis to post-tonsillectomy wound showed beneficial effect of reducing postoperative pain, preventing hemorrhage, and accelerating of wound healing of tonsillar fossae.