A Retrospective Cohort Study on the Effects of Honeysuckle Chinese Medicine Gargle Use on Postoperative Bleeding and Infection Rates Following Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty

Abstract

To evaluate whether postoperative use of a honeysuckle Chinese medicine gargle solution reduces bleeding and infection rates after uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). This was a single-center, retrospective cohort study of patients undergoing UPPP for OSA between 2019 and 2024. Patients were divided into gargle and non-gargle groups based on self-reported honeysuckle Chinese medicine gargle use postoperatively. Propensity score matching was performed to assemble balanced cohorts. The primary outcome was postoperative bleeding within 30 d. Postoperative infection was evaluated as a key secondary outcome. Univariable logistic regression analyses were conducted. A total of 178 patients were included in each matched cohort. Patients using the honeysuckle Chinese medicine gargle had significantly lower rates of postoperative bleeding (8.4 vs. 16.3%, odds ratio [OR] 0.47, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.25–0.90, p = 0.02) compared to non-gargle users. Postoperative infection rates did not differ significantly between groups (5.6 vs. 8.4%, OR 0.65, 95% CI 0.28–1.47, p = 0.28). Gargle users had higher postoperative platelet counts and lower C-reactive protein levels. No major adverse events related to gargle use were reported. Postoperative honeysuckle Chinese medicine gargle use was associated with reduced bleeding risk after UPPP, plausibly related to hemostatic and anti-inflammatory effects, but did not impact infection rates. This herbal remedy represents a potential preventative strategy to improve surgical outcomes, warranting further investigation.