title: Post-tonsillectomy hematoma of the mouth floor.
abstract: Tonsillectomy is one of the most common operations performed by otolaryngologists. Sore throat, otalgia, fever, dehydration, uvular edema, and tonsillar hemorrhage are common complications. Hematoma of the mouth floor, an unusual complication, was reported. A 21-year-old man presented with a soft, dark-red swelling of the mouth floor three days after undergoing tonsillectomy. The hematoma of the mouth floor subsided spontaneously 2 weeks later. The complication in this case was most likely caused by the blood vessel insult, which resulted from suspension of the mouth with tongue retraction during surgery. This procedure should be done carefully to prevent this complication. Hematoma of the mouth floor can cause airway obstruction, and if present, health providers should be alert to the possibility of airway compromise.
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, 325, Cheng-Kung Road Section 2, Taipei 114, Taiwan, ROC. t922543284@yahoo.com.tw
authors.forename: Zheng-Ping
authors.initials: ZP
authors.lastname: Shi
authors.forename: Chau-Chu
authors.initials: CC
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.forename: Jih-Chin
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.forename: Yaoh-Shiang
authors.initials: YS
authors.lastname: Lin
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D006406:Hematoma / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009059:Mouth Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D014068:Tonsillectomy / Q000009:adverse effects*