Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 13, 2026

CO2-Lasertonsillotomy Under Local Anesthesia in Adults
05:07

CO2-Lasertonsillotomy Under Local Anesthesia in Adults

Published on: November 6, 2019

Severe delayed posttonsillectomy haemorrhage due to a pseudoaneurysm of the lingual artery

Nynke van Cruijsen1, Joost Gravendeel, Frederik G Dikkers

  • 1Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, P.O. Box 30.001, 9700 RB, Groningen, The Netherlands. n.van.cruijsen@kno.umcg.nl

European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology : Official Journal of the European Federation of Oto-Rhino-Laryngological Societies (EUFOS) : Affiliated with the German Society for Oto-Rhino-Laryngology - Head and Neck Surgery
|July 20, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Severe bleeding after tonsillectomy in a child was caused by a lingual artery pseudoaneurysm. Endovascular coiling effectively treated this dangerous complication, offering a viable therapeutic option.

Area of Science:

  • Vascular Surgery
  • Pediatric Otolaryngology
  • Interventional Radiology

Background:

  • Post-tonsillectomy hemorrhage is a common complication.
  • Severe bleeding can result from arterial damage, such as pseudoaneurysm formation.
  • Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial for managing life-threatening hemorrhage.

Observation:

  • A 3.5-year-old child experienced severe, recurrent bleeding weeks after a tonsillectomy.
  • Angiography revealed a pseudoaneurysm of the lingual artery as the source of bleeding.
  • The pseudoaneurysm was successfully treated using endovascular embolization with coils.

Findings:

  • Coil embolization is an effective treatment for pseudoaneurysms causing severe post-tonsillectomy hemorrhage.
  • This minimally invasive technique can be used to manage arterial damage in pediatric patients.
  • Successful embolization prevents further bleeding and associated complications.

Implications:

  • Endovascular coiling should be considered a primary therapeutic option for managing severe post-tonsillectomy hemorrhage due to arterial pseudoaneurysms.
  • This approach offers a less invasive alternative to surgical management.
  • Highlights the importance of advanced imaging and interventional techniques in pediatric surgical care.

Related Concept Videos

Tonsillitis II: Management01:26

Tonsillitis II: Management

This lesson will focus on the different treatment options for managing tonsillitis, which typically depend on the cause and severity.
Epistaxis01:30

Epistaxis

Epistaxis, or nosebleeds, occurs when small, swollen blood vessels in the nasal mucous membrane rupture. Typically, the anterior septum is the primary site of occurrence.
Etiology
Possible causes of this condition include high blood pressure, trauma, low humidity, upper respiratory tract infections, allergies, foreign bodies, nasal inhalation of corticosteroids or illicit drugs, excessive use of decongestant nasal sprays, facial or nasal surgery, anatomic malformation, tumors, or systemic...
Aneurysm IV: Nursing Management01:22

Aneurysm IV: Nursing Management

Vigilant monitoring for aneurysm rupture is essential for patients undergoing aortic surgery.Preoperative Nursing ManagementContinuously monitor the patient for manifestations of aneurysm rupture, such as pallor, weakness, tachycardia, hypotension, abdominal, back, groin, or periumbilical pain, changes in consciousness, and a pulsating abdominal mass. Regularly assess the patient's peripheral pulses.Instruct the patient to consume a clear liquid diet the day before surgery and administer...
Aneurysm III: Interprofessional Care01:26

Aneurysm III: Interprofessional Care

Aneurysm management involves either conservative medical therapy or surgical intervention, depending on the size and symptoms of the aneurysm. Conservative management is generally reserved for smaller, asymptomatic aneurysms, while larger or symptomatic aneurysms often necessitate surgical repair.Conservative Medical TherapyFor small, asymptomatic aneurysms, particularly abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) less than 5.5 centimeters in diameter, conservative medical therapy is recommended. This...
Tonsillitis I: Introduction01:30

Tonsillitis I: Introduction

Tonsillitis is inflammation of the tonsils, which are two lymphoid tissue masses at the back of the throat. This condition can cause discomfort and irritation in the throat.
Etiology
Three primary contributing factors have been identified.
Hemorrhagic Stroke l: Introduction01:17

Hemorrhagic Stroke l: Introduction

A hemorrhagic stroke is an acute neurological event that occurs when a weakened cerebral blood vessel ruptures, allowing blood to accumulate within or around the brain. The sudden release of blood forms a focal hematoma that increases intracranial pressure, displaces neural tissue, and can obstruct cerebrospinal fluid pathways. These effects may be compounded by intraventricular extension of the hemorrhage, cerebral edema, or compression of adjacent structures, all of which contribute to...