Bleeding after tonsillectomy that occurs more than 24 hours after surgery, a secondary haemorrhage, is most common between about the fifth and tenth days, as the slough separates. Any bleeding at home warrants same-day hospital assessment, because a small bleed can precede a larger one. Make sure families have written instructions on where to go.
- Tell families that bleeding is most likely in the second week.
- Advise immediate hospital attendance for any fresh blood from the mouth.
- Assess every post-tonsillectomy bleed in hospital, even if it has stopped.
- Give written discharge instructions that name the unit to attend.
Why it matters
A small herald bleed at home is the warning families most often ignore.
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