In Turkey, Ankaferd Blood Stopper® (ABS) has been approved for the management of external haemorrhages and
bleedings o ccurring during den tal surgeries (Goker et al., 2008). Ankaferd comprises a standardized mixture of plants,
including
Thymus vulgaris
,
Glycyrrhiza glabra
,
Vitis vinifera
,
Alpinia officinarum
, and
Urtica diodica
. This study aimed to
evaluate the efficacy of ABS tamponade in the control of intra-operative bleeding occurring during adenoidectomy
performed in children under the age of 12. Sixty children were randomized to receive 1 to 5 minute- tamponade with either
ABS or topical gauze sponges soaked in saline solution (SS) during their adenoidectomy. Time-to-haemostasis and the
number of packs required were recorded. A visual analog scale was used by the operating surgeon to record subjective data,
including the rate of bleeding following the first adenoid pack removal (0= none, 3=brisk). Compared to the children in the
SS group (n=30), time-to-haemostasis seen in ABS patients (n=30) was significantly shorter (mean ± standard deviation, 1.93
± 1.39 min vs 3 .20 ± 1.50 min; p<0.0001); they required a lower number of packs (mean, 1.93 vs. 3.20), and appeared to
bleed less (53.3% vs 6.7%; p=0.0001). ABS aids in the control of intra-operative bleeding and reduces the number of packs
required to achieve haemostasis, so that it can be recommended for tamponades performed during paediatric
adenoidectomies.
