NSAIDs Do Not Increase Post-Tonsillectomy Hemorrhage Risk

Dr. Barber noted that there were 45 instances of postoperative bleeding (3.14%). There were three primary bleeds (0.21%) and nine major secondary bleeds (0.62%); the remaining 33 secondary bleeds were all treated conservatively. Five of these patients went to the emergency room, but had bleeding so trivial they were not readmitted to the hospital. There was one suspected GI bleed (0.07%).

In conclusion, Dr. Barber said that his audit demonstrates that NSAIDs used perioperatively and throughout the postoperative period do not contribute to an elevation in the postoperative hemorrhage rate outside the standard reported ranges for post-tonsillectomy hemorrhage.

©2007 The Triological Society