Excessive post-tonsillectomy hemorrhage requiring ligature of the external carotid artery.

作者信息

Windfuhr Jochen P

机构信息

Department of Otolaryngology, Plastic Head and Neck Surgery, St. Anna Hospital, Albertus Magnus Str. 33, 47259, Duisburg, Germany.

出版信息

Auris Nasus Larynx. 2002 Apr;29(2):159-64. doi: 10.1016/s0385-8146(01)00138-9.

DOI:10.1016/s0385-8146(01)00138-9

PMID:11893451

Abstract

UNLABELLED

Ligature of the external carotid artery (LECA) is the method of choice in patients with excessive post-tonsillectomy hemorrhage. This retrospective study was undertaken to evaluate the incidence, characteristics and warning signs of excessive post-tonsillectomy hemorrhage.

BASIC PROCEDURES

Between January 1988 and December 2000, a total of 25 patients had to be treated by LECA. Tonsillectomy had been previously performed in seven patients at our department (group A) and in 18 patients elsewhere (group B).

MAIN FINDINGS

LECA was performed in most cases 6 (group A) and 11 days (group B) after tonsillectomy. There was one case with lethal outcome. A total of 12 patients (group B) had been operated by two surgeons.

PRINCIPAL CONCLUSIONS

Excessive bleeding following tonsillectomy may occur as delayed bleeding, abrupt and require immediate LECA and blood transfusion. Prior recurrent episodes of bleeding can be a warning sign. Anatomical vascular abnormalities have to be considered. Inpatient policy in these underestimated cases was life-saving.

摘要