Post-tonsillectomy hemorrhage

Revision as of 20:08, 8 July 2016 by Neil.m.young (talk | contribs) (Text replacement - "==Treatment==" to "==Management==")

Background

  • Occurs in 1-6% of tonsillectomies
  • Most common on POD 5-7
  • Highest incidence in 21-30 year olds
  • Lowest in <6 year olds

Clinical Features

  • Hemoptesis

Differential Diagnosis

  • Post-op pain

Diagnosis

  • Physical exam (do NOT remove any clots)

Management

Work-Up

  • CBC
  • T+S or T+C

Management

  • ENT consult: Always, rebleeding is common and half of presentations require surgical management
  • Airway management (anticipate difficulty and have surgical back up)
  • IV, O2, Monitor, NPO, upright position
  • Can try direct pressure with tonsillar pack or gauze infused with lido with epi

See Also

Pharyngitis

References