Classification of haemorrhage following tonsillectomy.
To date there exists no sensible way of classifying the intensity of haemorrhage following tonsillectomy, though this is a prerequisite when comparing the results presented in literature. We evaluated the incidence of post-operative haemorrhage according to our classification in 602 patients who underwent tonsillectomy at our department in 1999. In 21 patients a grade 1 (spontaneous cessation) bleeding occurred. One patient had a grade 2 (infiltration anaesthesia), 14 patients had a grade 3 bleeding (treatment under general anaesthesia) with one patient receiving a blood transfusion. Two patients had a grade 4 bleeding (ligature of the external carotid artery). There was no patient with grade 5 bleeding (lethal outcome). Grades 1 and 3 had the same incidence rates. Primary haemorrhage (<24 hours) can be expected in the majority of patients undergoing tonsillectomy. Secondary haemorrhage is rare and can be life-threatening.
Windfuhr
J
J
Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Plastic Head and Neck Surgery, St Anna Hospital, Duisberg, Germany. jwindfuhr@aol.com
Seehafer
M
M
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006488:Hemostasis, Surgical / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019106:Postoperative Hemorrhage / Q000145:classification* / Q000628:therapy; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D014068:Tonsillectomy / Q000009:adverse effects*