DAS: Management of haematoma after thyroid surgery

Question 1

CFx of neck haematoma after thyroid surgery

Answer 1

DESATS

D: difficulty swallowing
E: EWS high NEWS score
S: Swelling
A: Anxiety
T: Tachypnoea or resp distress
S: Stridor

Question 2

Algorithm for managing neck haematoma after thyroid surgery

Answer 2

• Oxygenate
• Call for help (including ENT)
• Sit up
• Consider TXA and dexamethasone
• If evidence of airway compromise SCOOP
• Intubation +/- FONA

Question 3

Evacuating neck haematoma after thyroid surgery

Answer 3

SCOOP

S: Skin exposure
C: Cut sutures
O: Open skin
O: Open strap muscles and evacuate the clot
P: Pack wound