Tonsillectomy complicated by jugular vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism

To report an unusual and life-threatening complication of routine tonsillectomy, and review the relevant medical literature. A Medline database search was performed to identify reports of thromboembolic complications of tonsillectomy. Thromboembolic complications following tonsillectomy are rare, and no previously reported cases of post-operative jugular vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism are described. We report a case of an 18-year old previously healthy woman who presented with a sub-massive pulmonary embolus following tonsillectomy. It is believed that the embolus originated from a post-operative jugular vein thrombosis. This is the first report of jugular vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism following tonsillectomy. Knowledge of this potentially life-threatening complication is vital for otolaryngologists routinely performing this procedure.