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Updated: Jun 19, 2026
05:07
CO2-Lasertonsillotomy Under Local Anesthesia in Adults
Published on: November 6, 2019
A 4-year consecutive study of post-tonsillectomy haemorrhage.
Per Attner1, Per-Olle Haraldsson, Claes Hemlin
1Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Karolinska University Hospital, SE-171 76 Stockholm, Sweden. per.attner@karolinska.se
ORL; Journal for Oto-Rhino-Laryngology and Its Related Specialties
|October 16, 2009
Summary
Post-tonsillectomy hemorrhage (PTH) occurred in 7.5% of patients, with primary bleeding indicating a higher risk of subsequent episodes. Patients experiencing a single, self-limiting bleed had a low risk of severe hemorrhage.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Surgical Complications
- Hemorrhagic Disorders
Background:
- Post-tonsillectomy hemorrhage (PTH) is a significant concern following tonsillectomy (TE) and adenotonsillectomy (TA).
- Understanding the incidence, timing, and risk factors for PTH is crucial for patient management and optimizing surgical outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the incidence and consequences of post-tonsillectomy hemorrhages (PTH).
- To investigate the timing, classification, and management of PTH in a large patient cohort.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study conducted at a university hospital.
- Inclusion of all non-oncological tonsillectomy (TE) and adenotonsillectomy (TA) cases over a 4-year period.
- Data collection focused on the rate, timing, and classification of PTH.
Main Results:
- A total of 2,813 patients underwent TE/TA, with 7.5% readmitted for PTH (3.4% active bleeding).
- Primary bleeding rates were 1.9% and secondary bleeding rates were 5.5%, typically occurring 0-19 days post-operatively.
- Multiple bleeding episodes occurred in 19 patients, with 43% having experienced primary bleeding; severe PTH requiring transfusion was rare.
Conclusions:
- Primary post-tonsillectomy hemorrhage (PTH) may predict subsequent bleeding episodes, warranting increased post-operative observation.
- Patients with a single, self-limiting PTH demonstrated a low risk of requiring surgical intervention for recurrent hemorrhage.
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