A multicentre 2-cycle retrospective audit of post-operative haemorrhages from 2169 tonsillectomies.

Abstract

Tonsillectomy is a frequently performed procedure which can have potentially life threatening complications. Current postoperative haemorrhage and return to theatre rates are significantly higher than those reported by the National Prospective Tonsillectomy Audit 2005 and are close to 10% and 2% respectively. GP attendance rates with postoperative haemorrhage have fallen dramatically and may account for the rise in secondary bleeds presenting to hospitals. Blood transfusion after tonsillectomy is rare (0.1%). Preoperative consent and information leaflets should reflect the higher rates than previously quoted. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.