post-op tonsillectomy

Question 1

what are the post-op complications of tonsillectomy?

Answer 1

1. pain - may increase for up to 6 days following a tonsillectomy
2. haemorrhage

Question 2

who should assess all post-op tonsillectomy haemorrhages?

Answer 2

ENT

Question 3

when does primary or reactionary haemorrhage most commonly occur?

Answer 3

in the first 6-8 hours following surgery

Question 4

how is primary haemorrhage managed?

Answer 4

immediate return to theatre

Question 5

when does secondary haemorrhage occur and what is it often associated with?

Answer 5

between 5-10 days after surgery

assoc. w wound infection

Question 6

how is secondary haemorrhage treated?

Answer 6

admission and abx

severe bleeding may require surgery