Delayed endovascular coil extrusion after embolisation for post-tonsillectomy haemorrhage: case report and literature...

To report a rare case of delayed endovascular coil extrusion following embolisation of a lingual artery pseudoaneurysm.

A 23-year-old woman presented with dysphagia and odynophagia 11 months after having experienced massive post-tonsillectomy haemorrhage. At that time, the bleeding had been stopped by embolisation of a lingual artery pseudoaneurysm and the external carotid artery. Clinical examination at admission showed extrusion of the embolisation coils in the lateral lower pharyngeal wall. The coils were removed under general anaesthesia in the presence of an interventional radiologist. The procedure and post-operative period were without complication and no bleeding was observed. The dysphagia and pain disappeared and the subsequent seven-month follow-up period was uneventful.

Although selective embolisation is a safe and effective treatment for severe post-tonsillectomy haemorrhage, the possibility of delayed coil extrusion should be kept in mind.