Open AccessThe Increased Risk of Post‐tonsillectomy Hemorrhage in Coagulopathic Children
Author(s) -
Venkatesan Naren Natraj,
Mukerji Shraddha S.,
Rodman Regina E.
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
otolaryngology–head and neck surgery
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.232
H-Index - 121
eISSN - 1097-6817
pISSN - 0194-5998
DOI - 10.1177/0194599811415823a370
Subject(s) - medicine , tonsillectomy , coagulopathy , von willebrand disease , surgery , complication , anesthesia , von willebrand factor , platelet
Objective Tonsillectomy is a routine procedure performed in children with the main complication being postoperative hemorrhage. In coagulopathic patients, does their disease affect management of these children after a tonsillectomy? Whether these patients need more intricate management following a tonsillectomy is important to know to prevent and treat postoperative hemorrhage. Method This case series is done through a chart review searching for patients who have undergone a tonsillectomy and have a known coagulopathic disorder. This will include von Willebrand’s disease, Hemophilia A, Hemophilia B, and Factor 8 deficiency. Results The results show that these children do not suffer posttonsillectomy hemorrhage at an increased rate over non‐coagulopathic patients. These patients should be managed by correction of the Protime and INR to normal ranges prior to procedure. If this is done, these patients are not at an increased risk of postoperative hemorrhage. Conclusion While coagulopathic patients are at an increased risk for prolonged hemorrhage, their risk of postoperative hemorrhage is not increased. Correction of INR and Protime decreases their risk of hemorrhage. If a hemorrhage does occur, these patients will require both surgical intervention and specific correction of their coagulopathy.