Secondary haemorrhage after tonsillectomy most often occurs between the fifth and tenth day, when the slough separates and the child is already home and eating. Families who expect it, and know that any fresh bleeding means returning to hospital, bring children in earlier.
A small herald bleed can precede a larger one. It should never be watched at home.
- Tell families before discharge that bleeding is most likely between days 5 and 10.
- Advise immediate return to hospital for any fresh red blood, even a small amount.
- Encourage normal eating and drinking; dehydration and poor intake increase pain and risk.
- Give a written sheet with the number to call.
Why it matters
Delay at home turns a manageable bleed into an airway emergency.
Read the rest in the app
You have read your two free briefings this month. The app carries all 27 specialties, every morning, free — and this finding is waiting in it.
Scan to keep reading on your phone. No account needed to start.
Tomorrow morning, before your first patient
One edition a day for ent & head and neck surgery, written by the desk, every claim tied to its paper. Six minutes.
Get the app — free