The use of the laryngeal mask airway in post-tonsillectomy haemorrhage--a case report.
BACKGROUND
The use of the laryngeal mask airway in elective adenotonsillectomy has been well described. However, there is no literature to support its use in post-tonsillectomy haemorrhage.


METHODS
We report a case of a patient who presented with primary post-tonsillectomy haemorrhage, which required general anaesthesia for haemostasis after undergoing bilateral functional endoscopic sinus surgery, uvulopalatopharyngoplasty and tonsillectomy.


RESULTS
The laryngeal mask airway was used successfully after an initial attempt at endotracheal intubation had failed. There were no complications.


CONCLUSIONS
The laryngeal mask airway can be used to secure the airway for haemostasis for post-tonsillectomy haemorrhage if intubation is not possible.
Department of Anaesthesia, Changi General Hospital, 2 Simei Street 3, Singapore 529889.
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Lim
D002908:Chronic Disease; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D017214:Laryngeal Masks; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019106:Postoperative Hemorrhage / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy*; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D012846:Singapore; D012852:Sinusitis / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery*; D012891:Sleep Apnea Syndromes / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery*; D014068:Tonsillectomy / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000379:methods; D016896:Treatment Outcome