Post Tonsillectomy Haemorrhage
Jul 23, 2024
Tonsillectomy is a common paediatric procedure. It may be a simple palatine tonsillar procedure or more complicated with adenoid removal. Unless more complex, it may be done as a day procedure and patients discharged home the same day, or within 24 hours.
The risk of post-operative bleeding is approximately 5%.
A primary bleed is defined as a bleed that occurs in the first 24 hours. These patients will usually need to go to the operating theatre.
Secondary bleeds occur within 5-9 days, but can occur up to 28 days post procedure. These are sometimes called 'herald bleeds' as they can pre-empt a worst bleed within the next 24 hours. The risk of a second bleed is 10% snd half of those will occur within 24 hours.
Most cases of bleeding are minor and self terminating, however some will require intervention and a small number may result in significant haemorrhage and the need for resuscitation.
In general most patients should be seen in an emergency department following a bleed.
Become a member for full access to all parts of the website.
