Post tonsillectomy haemorrhage in children: The value of routine monitoring of the pulse

Abstract

Chidren (21) with reactionary hemorrhage after tonsillectomy were returned to theater for the control of this hemorrhage. This group was matched for age and weight with 21 patients who underwent an uncomplicated tonsillectomy. The maximum pulse rate, the mean pulse rate and the maximum rise in pulse rate were recorded during the post-operative period and were noted for each group. No statistical difference existed between the groups. The monitoring of children in the period following tonsillectomy may be inadequate if the pulse alone is measured.