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.

*********DON'T WAIT TO SEE IF IT SETTLES!**********