Postadenoidectomy hemorrhage: a two-year prospective study

Background/Aim. Although postoperative complications are rare, postadenoidectomy hemorrhage is one of the most frequent. The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate the incidence and timing of postadenoidectomy hemorrhage requiring hemostatic control under endotracheal anesthesia. Methods. A two-year prospective study of patients undergoing inpatient adenoidectomy, with (n = 462) or without tonsillectomy (n = 589), was undertaken. Surgery was performed in endotracheal anesthesia using an adenoid curette. Every bleeding event which needed procedure in general anesthesia for its treatment was recorded. The timing of postadenoidectomy hemorrhage was classified as primary or secondary. Results. Severe bleeding following adenoidectomy with tonsillectomy which needed hemostatic control under endotracheal anesthesia occurred in only 0.19% (2/1051) patients (average age = 7.5 years). Postadenoidectomy hemorrhage was primary in both of the patients. Conclusion. Severe postoperative hemorrhage requiring hemostasis under endotracheal anesthesia can be expected in a small number of children undergoing adenoidectomy with tonsillectomy.