Our Summary

This study looked at whether experiencing more pain after having your tonsils removed could make you more likely to bleed after surgery. The researchers looked at medical records of adults who had their tonsils removed between 2015 and 2021. They found that those who reported higher levels of pain in the first two days after their operation were more likely to bleed to the extent that they needed more surgery to stop it. Other factors that increased the risk of bleeding after surgery included being male, being under 30, smoking, and having repeated throat infections. Further research is needed to see if managing pain more effectively could reduce the risk of bleeding after having your tonsils removed.

FAQs

  1. Does experiencing more pain after tonsillectomy increase the risk of bleeding post-surgery?
  2. What other factors increase the risk of bleeding after a tonsillectomy?
  3. Can better pain management reduce the risk of bleeding after a tonsillectomy?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about tonsillectomy is to closely follow post-operative care instructions, including taking pain medication as prescribed, staying hydrated, and avoiding strenuous activities. It is important to report any high levels of pain or unusual symptoms to your healthcare provider promptly to prevent complications such as bleeding. Additionally, avoiding smoking and taking steps to prevent throat infections can also help reduce the risk of complications after surgery.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for a tonsillectomy include those who have recurrent tonsillitis (multiple episodes of sore throat and fever), sleep-disordered breathing (such as obstructive sleep apnea), difficulty swallowing due to enlarged tonsils, or recurrent peritonsillar abscesses. Additionally, individuals with enlarged tonsils that cause obstruction of the airway or difficulty breathing may also be recommended for tonsillectomy.

Timeline

Before tonsillectomy:

  • Patient experiences frequent throat infections, difficulty swallowing, or breathing problems
  • Consultation with an ENT specialist to discuss the need for tonsillectomy and the risks and benefits of the procedure
  • Pre-operative assessment to ensure the patient is fit for surgery

After tonsillectomy:

  • Patient undergoes the surgery, which typically takes around 30 minutes under general anesthesia
  • Patient is monitored in the recovery room before being discharged home the same day
  • Patient may experience pain, sore throat, and difficulty swallowing in the days following surgery
  • Patient is advised to rest, stay hydrated, and eat soft foods to aid in recovery
  • Follow-up appointments with the ENT specialist to monitor healing and address any concerns
  • Bleeding is a potential complication that may occur in the days following surgery, although it is rare
  • Full recovery usually takes around 1-2 weeks, during which time the patient should avoid strenuous activities and follow any post-operative care instructions provided by their healthcare team.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What is the recovery process like after a tonsillectomy?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with a tonsillectomy, such as bleeding?
  3. How can I manage pain effectively after the surgery?
  4. Are there any specific factors or conditions that may increase my risk of bleeding after the surgery?
  5. What steps can I take to reduce the risk of bleeding and promote healing after the tonsillectomy?
  6. How will my pain be managed during the recovery period?
  7. When should I contact you or seek medical attention if I experience excessive bleeding or other concerning symptoms after the surgery?
  8. Are there any lifestyle changes or precautions I should take before and after the surgery to reduce the risk of complications?
  9. What is the likelihood of needing additional surgery or intervention if bleeding occurs after the tonsillectomy?
  10. Are there any alternative treatment options or considerations I should be aware of before proceeding with a tonsillectomy?

Reference

Authors: Noy R, Ostrovsky D, Shkedy Y. Journal: Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol. 2023 Jul;280(7):3437-3444. doi: 10.1007/s00405-023-07931-z. Epub 2023 Mar 21. PMID: 36941488