Children and haemorrhage after tonsillectomy
Children don't complain of bleeding post operatively - they swallow blood.
Their pulse then suddenly decompensates as shock develops. The stomach is full of acid and blood, which may be aspirated during the induction of a general anaesthetic, possibly causing cardiac arrest.
Therefore, although tonsillectomy is a common operation, it is potentially very dangerous and must be managed correctly.
When called to see the post-operative child, the child's throat must be examined; if there is active bleeding then tell surgeon, anaesthetist, theatres, cross match blood, start an intravenous infusion.
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