Clinical Analysis of Post-Operative Hemorrhage after Tonsillectomy

Lee, Seung Won; Kim, Young Suk; Song, Tae Hyun; Cha, Young Jin; Lee, Byung Don; Chang, Hyuck Soon

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Post-tonsillectomy hemorrhage is one of the most common complication and responsible for the majority of post-operative fatalities. Despite continuous efforts to eliminate this problem, it still remains a major risk. MATERIAL AND METHOD: The medical records of 1,510 tonsillectomized patients were reviewed for the frequency of post-tonsillectomy hemorrhage in relation to sex and age of the patients, seasons of year, operators as well as for the site, the type, and the control method of hemorrhage.
RESULTS
Post-tonsillectomy hemorrhage was common in males with the incidence of 3.9%, of which the primary and secondary types accounted for 11.9% and 88.1%, respectively. The hemorrhage most frequently occurred in the left. There was no statistical significance associated with the seasons of year and with operators. Most of hemorrhages were controlled with electrocautery and conservative treatment.
CONCLUSION
Although there are no obvious preventable means of post-tonsillectomy hemorrhage, complete bleeding control during operation and post-operative education are most important.