[Postoperative bleeding after tonsil surgery].

BACKGROUND

Tonsillectomy and tonsillotomy are common surgical procedures, especially among children and adolescents. Post-operative bleeding is a potentially alarming and dangerous complication. We wished to identify the prevalence of postoperative bleeding and associated risk factors in Ålesund hospital.

MATERIAL AND METHOD: The study is based on a retrospective review of the records of all patients who underwent tonsil surgery at Ålesund hospital in the five-year period from 2015-2019.

RESULTS

Of 1394 patients who underwent tonsil surgery, tonsillectomy was performed in 1285 patients and tonsillotomy in 109 patients. Thirty patients (2.2 %) had primary haemorrhage (< 24 hours). Twenty patients (1.4 %) were hospitalised due to secondary haemorrhage (> 24 hours), after an average of 5.4 days. Five patients (0.4 %) were reoperated due to postoperative bleeding. No postoperative bleeding was recorded after tonsillotomy. Increased risk of late postoperative bleeding was found for patients aged 16 years and over, and patients with primary haemorrhage.

INTERPRETATION: The proportion of cases of postoperative bleeding was low compared to international studies. Our figures are likely representative for other otorhinolaryngology departments in Norway, and may provide useful information to clinicians and patients prior to tonsil surgery.