Unidentified coagulation disorders in post-tonsillectomy hemorrhage.
We conducted a retrospective study of 6,966 patients who had undergone tonsillectomy or adenotonsillectomy to evaluate the incidence and clinical features of previously unidentified coagulation disorders in patients who experienced postoperative hemorrhage (n = 201). We found that post-tonsillectomy hemorrhage secondary to unidentified coagulation disorders is extremely rare. However, normal coagulation values and an insignificant history do not rule out coagulation disorders. If diffuse, persistent, and bilateral bleeding is not related to arterial hypertension, dissection technique, or local infection, a rapid and detailed analysis of coagulation factors should be considered.
Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Plastic Head and Neck Surgery, St. Anna Hospital, Duisburg, Germany. jwindfuhr@aol.com
Jochen P
JP
Windfuhr
Yue-Shih
YS
Chen
Stephan
S
Remmert
D000233:Adenoidectomy / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000379:methods; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D017677:Age Distribution; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001778:Blood Coagulation Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D015331:Cohort Studies; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006489:Hemostatic Techniques; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019106:Postoperative Hemorrhage / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D011184:Postoperative Period; D011300:Preoperative Care; D035583:Rare Diseases; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D018570:Risk Assessment; D017678:Sex Distribution; D014068:Tonsillectomy / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000379:methods