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

Pharyngitis

Sources

Tintinalli