Secondary haemorrhage after tonsillectomy – ENT MCQ

Secondary haemorrhage after tonsillectomy is most commonly seen?
A. 6 hours after surgery
B. 24 hours after surgery
C. 6 days after surgery
D. 14 days after surgery

Correct answer : C. 6 days after surgery

Oropharynx 1 day after tonsillectomy

Haemorrhage after tonsillectomy

Haemorrhage following tonsillectomy can be of 3 types:

• Primary haemorrhage (Immediate haemorrhage)
  • Occurs during surgery.
• Reactionary haemorrhage (Early haemorrhage)
  • Occurs within 24 hours of surgery.
  • It is due to the presence of a clot which prevents the compressive action of superior constrictor muscle on the blood vessels.
  • It can also occur due to slipping of a ligature / dislodgement of clot.
• Secondary haemorrhage (Delayed haemorrhage)
  • Seen more than 24 hours after surgery.
  • Usually seen 5 to 10 days after surgery.
  • Occurs due to infection / premature separation of membrane.

Image: Wikipedia