Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 6, 2025

CO2-Lasertonsillotomy Under Local Anesthesia in Adults
Published on: November 6, 2019
Hemorrhage after adenotonsillectomy in children: tertiary center experiences
Alma Jahić Čampara1,2, Selmira Brkić2, Anis Cerovac3,4
1Clinic for Anesthesiology and Reanimatology, University Clinical Centre Tuzla, Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Insights
Postoperative hemorrhage occurred in 9.5% of children after adenotonsillectomy, with secondary bleeding being more common. Female children experienced significantly more bleeding events following this common pediatric surgery.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Pediatric Surgery
- Surgical Complications
Background:
- Adenotonsillectomy is a frequent pediatric surgical procedure.
- Postoperative hemorrhage is a significant, albeit uncommon, complication.
- Understanding hemorrhage patterns is crucial for patient safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To ascertain the incidence of hemorrhage post-adenotonsillectomy in children.
- To analyze hemorrhage rates in relation to patient age and sex.
- To identify common sites of bleeding.
Main Methods:
- A longitudinal, cross-sectional study design was employed.
- Data were collected from 201 children aged 3-15 years undergoing adenotonsillectomy.
- Patient demographics and hemorrhage events were recorded over a 1.5-year period.
Main Results:
- The overall postoperative hemorrhage rate was 9.5% (19/201 children).
- Secondary hemorrhage (53%) was more frequent than primary hemorrhage (47%).
- Female children exhibited a significantly higher incidence of postoperative bleeding.
Conclusions:
- The study provides data on pediatric adenotonsillectomy hemorrhage incidence and characteristics.
- Findings suggest a higher risk of bleeding in female pediatric patients.
- Hemorrhage from tonsillar lodges is a notable observation.
Background:
Adenotonsillectomy is the most commonly performed surgery in the pediatric population. Hemorrhage after adenotonsillectomy, which can occur at any time postoperatively, is one of the most serious complications.
Objective:
To determine the frequency of hemorrhage in children after adenotonsillectomy and to compare postoperative hemorrhage with regard to age and sex.
Methods:
A cross-sectional longitudinal study was conducted at the Ear, Nose, and Throat Clinic, University Clinical Center Tuzla, and included all children of both sexes, aged 3 to 15 years, who underwent adenotonsillectomy during a 1.5-year period.
Results:
A total of 201 children aged 3-15 years underwent adenotonsillectomy, 113 males and 88 females, which corresponds to a ratio of 1.28: 1. Adenotonsillectomy was performed in 147 (73.1%) patients and adenoidectomy in 54 (27%). In the overall sample, there were 19 (9.5%) subjects with postoperative hemorrhage. Primary hemorrhage occurred in 9 subjects (47%) and secondary hemorrhage in 10 subjects (53%). Significantly more female subjects had postoperative hemorrhage. In the group of subjects with hemorrhage, the mean age (standard deviation) was 8.45 (3.3) years. Tonsillar lodges are common sites of hemorrhage.
Conclusion:
The frequency and causes of hemorrhage after adenotonsillectomy in our study are partially comparable to the world data.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Tonsillitis II: Management
Epistaxis
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...
Endoscopic Studies II: Thoracocentesis
Description
Excess pleural fluid or air may accumulate in some respiratory disorders in the thoracic cavity. To treat pleural effusion, a physician conducts thoracentesis by carefully piercing the chest wall and entering...
Aneurysm III: Interprofessional Care
Tonsillitis I: Introduction
Etiology
Three primary contributing factors have been identified.
Esophageal Varices-II: Clinical Features and Management
In the initial assessment, a thorough review of the patient's medical history is vital to identify risk factors such as liver disease, alcohol...

