RE-ANAESTHETIZING CASES OF TONSILLECTOMY AND ADENOIDECTOMY BECAUSE OF PERSISTENT POSTOPERATIVE HAEMORRHAGE

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Abstract
Five hundred and forty-six consecutive cases of tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy that had to be re-anaesthetized subsequently on account of postoperative haemorrhage were examined. There was one death. Some previously published case histories of death and cardiac arrest associated with the procedure are summarized. The dangers inherent in the procedure are discussed and the means whereby they may be avoided are outlined. The importance is stressed of restoring the blood volume to normal, emptying the stomach, if at all possible, and removing all loose clots from the pharynx and postnasal space before induction of anaesthesia, and of using, during anaesthesia, a high concentration of oxygen. A suggested technique of management, based upon personal experience of forty cases is outlined.

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