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