Post-tonsillectomy hemorrhage
Presentation
- Occurs in 1-6% of tonsillectomies
- Highest incidence in 21-30 year olds
- Lowest in <6 year olds
Work Up
- Physical exam (do NOT remove any clots)
- CBC, T+S or T+C, coags
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
- Can try direct pressure with tonsillar pack or gauze infused with lido with epi
See Also
Sources
Tintinalli