A devastating outcome after adenoidectomy and tonsillectomy: ideas for improved prevention and management.

Objective: To develop strategies that may assist the surgeon to prevent and manage severe bleeding complications after adenoidectomy and tonsillectomy.

Study Design: Retrospective.

Subjects And Methods: Expert reports for malpractice lawsuits or professional boards were reviewed.

Life-threatening posttonsillectomy hemorrhage.

Objectives/hypothesis: In rare cases, the intensity of posttonsillectomy hemorrhage (PTH) may become life-threatening requiring major surgical means and intensive care. This study was conducted to assess the outcome of life-threatening PTH and its clinical features in a larger patient population.

Study Design And Methods: Cases occurring during the clinical career of the authors were collected and added by own expert reports to lawsuits and professional boards in cases who had undergone tonsillectomy elsewhere.