complications of tonsillectomy
Last reviewed 12/2022
Haemorrhage:
- primary - at the time of operation
- reactionary - within the first 24 hours. In co-operative patients, may be managed by removal of clot and applied pressure, but usually require a return to theatre for exploration and ligation of bleeding points
- secondary - within 7-10 days. Usually from infection causing fibrinolysis. Managed with antibiotics, usually penicillin, either intravenously or orally
Infection:
- otitis media
- infection in the tonsillar fossae - usually treated with antibiotics
Pulmonary - from inhalation of blood or tissue fragments. These are rare, for example:
- pulmonary abscess
- pneumonia