Our Summary

This study looked at when bleeding occurs after a tonsillectomy, an issue not well studied before. Researchers reviewed medical records from 1993 to 2019 of both children and adults who had emergency surgery due to severe bleeding after tonsillectomy. They found that the average time for bleeding to occur was 6 days after the original surgery, and that most emergency surgeries due to this bleeding happened during the evening and night hours. The longer the time since the original surgery, the more likely the bleeding was to occur at night. They found no difference in bleeding times based on the season, age, sex, or details of the initial procedure. These findings could help in preparing patients for the possibility of post-surgery bleeding and ensuring that medical staff are available to deal with this potential emergency.

FAQs

  1. What was the primary focus of the study on tonsillectomy?
  2. When is post-surgery bleeding most likely to occur after a tonsillectomy?
  3. Did the study find any differences in bleeding times based on factors such as age, sex, or season?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about tonsillectomy is to be aware of the signs of post-surgery bleeding, such as sudden or persistent bleeding from the mouth or throat, vomiting blood, or difficulty breathing. It is important to seek immediate medical attention if any of these symptoms occur, especially during the evening or night hours when the risk of bleeding is higher. Additionally, following post-operative care instructions carefully, including avoiding strenuous activities and following a soft diet, can help reduce the risk of complications after surgery.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for a tonsillectomy include those who suffer from recurrent episodes of tonsillitis, sleep-disordered breathing such as obstructive sleep apnea, difficulty swallowing due to enlarged tonsils, or recurrent infections or abscesses in the tonsils. Tonsillectomy may also be recommended for patients with complications such as peritonsillar abscess or persistent or recurrent strep throat despite antibiotic treatment.

Timeline

Before tonsillectomy:

  1. Patient consults with an ENT specialist and decides to undergo tonsillectomy due to recurrent tonsillitis, sleep apnea, or other related issues.
  2. Preoperative tests and evaluations are conducted to ensure the patient is a suitable candidate for surgery.
  3. Patient is given preoperative instructions, including fasting guidelines and medications to avoid prior to surgery.

After tonsillectomy:

  1. Patient undergoes surgery to remove the tonsils, typically performed under general anesthesia.
  2. Patient is monitored in the recovery room before being discharged home.
  3. Patient may experience pain, sore throat, and difficulty swallowing in the days following surgery.
  4. Patient is instructed to rest, drink plenty of fluids, and avoid certain foods that may irritate the throat.
  5. Follow-up appointments are scheduled with the surgeon to monitor healing and address any concerns.
  6. Most patients experience a gradual improvement in symptoms over the following weeks as the throat heals.
  7. In rare cases, patients may experience postoperative bleeding, which usually occurs within the first week after surgery and may require emergency medical attention.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the risks and potential complications associated with a tonsillectomy?
  2. What is the likelihood of experiencing severe bleeding after the surgery?
  3. What steps can be taken to minimize the risk of post-surgery bleeding?
  4. What should I do if I experience excessive bleeding or other concerning symptoms after the surgery?
  5. How soon after the surgery should I seek medical attention if I suspect bleeding?
  6. What measures will be in place to manage potential bleeding emergencies during the recovery period?
  7. Are there any specific factors or conditions that may increase my risk of post-surgery bleeding?
  8. What follow-up care or monitoring will be necessary after the surgery to ensure proper healing and prevent complications?
  9. Are there any warning signs or symptoms that I should watch out for in the days following the surgery?
  10. How can I best prepare myself physically and emotionally for the recovery process after a tonsillectomy?

Reference

Authors: Grasl S, Mekhail P, Janik S, Grasl CM, Vyskocil E, Erovic BM, Arnoldner C, Landegger LD. Journal: Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol. 2022 Mar;279(3):1601-1607. doi: 10.1007/s00405-021-07080-1. Epub 2021 Sep 23. PMID: 34557959