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Updated: Aug 19, 2026
CO2-Lasertonsillotomy Under Local Anesthesia in Adults
Published on: November 6, 2019
Hemorrhage following tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy in 15,218 patients
J P Windfuhr1, Y S Chen, S Remmert
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Plastic Head and Neck Surgery, St. Anna Hospital, Duisburg, Germany. jwindfuhr@aol.com
Objective:
To evaluate potential risk factors and the incidence of bleeding following adenoidectomy or tonsillectomy, with or without adenoidectomy requiring surgical treatment under general anesthesia.
Study Design And Setting:
Retrospective chart review of 15,218 patients who underwent surgery between January 1, 1988, and September 30, 2001, at our institution (St. Anna Hospital, Duisburg).
Results:
A total of 229 patients experienced postoperative bleeding (1.5%). Patients of male gender and 70 years of age or older were significantly at risk for post-tonsillectomy hemorrhage. The incidence of bleeding increased with age. Of the bleeding episodes, 76% occurred on the day of surgery; immediate abscess-tonsillectomy was not associated with an increased risk of bleeding.
Conclusions:
Hemorrhage following tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy is rare and predominantly occurs early after surgery. Male patients, 70 years of age or older, infectious mononucleosis, and a history of recurrent tonsillitis were identified as risk factors for post-tonsillectomy hemorrhage. Delayed hemorrhage has the potential to be life-threatening.
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