A survey on the management of reactionary haemorrhage following adenoidectomy in the UK and our practice.

Abstract

We present the results of a nation-wide survey in the management of reactionary haemorrhage following adenoidectomy, in the absence of specific national guidelines for this complication in the UK. We have reported the practice of the consultant members of the BAO-HNS through a confidential postal questionnaire with regard to their preferred method of management and experience. Valid replies were received from 285 ENT surgeons, of which 87.3% (249) prefer to manage reactionary haemorrhage with post-nasal packs and 223 (78.2%) would use an overnight post-nasal pack. 7.7% (22) use other techniques, and 9.1% (26) leave post-nasal packs for as short time as possible. Our experience of using a post-nasal pack for 4 h appears equally as effective as a post-nasal pack left for 24 h and reduces the discomfort and subsequent risks related to overnight post-nasal packing.