ENT - Tonsillectomy Flashcards
How do patients stay in hospital post tonsillectomy?
Patients can go home after 6-8 hours after observation
When is a tonsillectomy indicated?
Recurrent tonsillitis
- 7 or more in 1 year
- 5 per year for 2 years
- 3 per year for 3 years
- Recurrent tonsillar abscesses (2 episodes)
- Enlarged tonsils causing breathing difficulty, swallowing or snoring
Can still get a sore throat
What are some possible complications of a tonsillectomy?
Pain, sore throat
Damage to teeth
Infection
Post-tonsillectomy bleeding
General anaesthetic risk
How long does a sore throat last post surgery?
2 weeks
What is the most significant complication of a tonsillectomy?
Post tonsillectomy bleeding
Life threatening
Can occur in 5% of patients
After how long can post tonsillectomy bleeding occur?
Up to 2 weeks post operation
Why is post tonsillectomy bleeding life threatening?
Aspiration of blood
How is post tonsillectomy bleeding managed?
- Call ENT registrar
- IV access and send bloods
- Keep child calm and give adequate analgesia
- Sit child up and encourage to spit blood rather than swallow
- Make child nil by mouth
- IV fluids for maintenance and resus as required
What bloods are done in post tonsillectomy management?
FBC
Clotting screen
Group and save
Crossmatch
What must be done if there is severe airway compromise in post tonsillectomy bleeding?
Call anaesthetist as intubation may be needed
How can less severe bleeds be stopped?
Hydrogen peroxide gargle
Adrenaline soaked swab
