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When To Claim For A Tonsillectomy Bleed
Last Updated on February 19, 2025 by tanya
When To Claim For A Tonsillectomy Bleed
Post-Operative Bleeding May Be Serious
If you, or a loved one, have suffered from a haemorrhage after tonsil surgery, you should know when to claim for a tonsillectomy bleed. Tonsillectomy is a common procedure and generally considered to be safe. It is recommended to treat recurring throat infection or obstructive sleep apnoea. However there are risks, with the most concerning being post-operative bleeding, also known as post-tonsillectomy haemorrhage.
If you believe you may have a medical negligence claim, First Personal Injury may be able to help you.
What is Post-Tonsillectomy Bleeding?
Post-tonsillectomy bleeding is when blood is discharged from the surgical site after the removal of the tonsils. It can occur in two stages:
Primary Haemorrhage – This happens within the first 24 hours after surgery, often due to improper surgical techniques or issues with blood clotting.
Secondary Haemorrhage – Occurs between 5 to 10 days post-surgery, usually when the scabs at the surgical site fall off.
While mild bleeding is relatively common, severe haemorrhage can be life-threatening. It can lead to complications such as airway obstruction, hypovolemic shock, aspiration or could be fatal.
Dangers of Tonsillectomy Bleeding
- Airway Obstruction – Excessive bleeding can obstruct the airway, causing difficulty in breathing or choking. This is particularly dangerous in children due to their smaller airways.
- Hypovolemic Shock – Significant blood loss can lead to hypovolemic shock, where the heart is unable to pump enough blood to the body, leading to organ failure.
- Aspiration – Blood can enter the lungs if inhaled, potentially leading to pneumonia or other respiratory complications.
When is Post-Tonsillectomy Bleeding Considered Medical Negligence?
Post-tonsillectomy bleeding may be considered medical negligence if it can be proven that the healthcare provider failed to provide an acceptable standard of care. This can occur under the following circumstances:
- Failure to Inform of Risks – If the surgeon did not adequately inform the patient or guardians about the risks of postoperative bleeding.
- Inadequate Postoperative Care – If appropriate postoperative instructions or follow-up care were not provided, leading to complications.
- Surgical Errors – If the bleeding was caused by surgical errors, such as improper cauterization or damage to surrounding tissues.
- Delayed Emergency Response – If medical professionals failed to act promptly to control severe bleeding.
Making a Medical Negligence Claim
If you believe that postoperative bleeding from a tonsillectomy resulted from medical negligence, you may be entitled to make a medical negligence claim. Compensation claims may include medical expenses, loss of income and pain and suffering. Here are your next steps:
Seek Immediate Medical Attention – Ensure the safety and recovery of the patient by seeking emergency medical care if severe bleeding occurs.
Document Evidence – Collect all relevant medical records, including preoperative assessments, surgical reports, and postoperative care notes. Photographs and witness statements can also be valuable.
Obtain Expert Medical Opinion – Independent medical experts can provide testimony on whether the standard of care was breached.
Contact the First Personal Injury Team
If you or a loved one has been suffered from a tonsillectomy bleed due to negligence, we can help. Contact First Personal Injury today for expert legal advice and support. We work with lawyers who operate a ‘No Win, No Fee’ basis.
Call us on 0333 358 2345 or get in touch online and we’ll call you back at a convenient time.