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RACS ASC 2026
Multisite and multidisciplinary research in Post-tonsillectomy bleeding: Lessons for early control and escalation
Verbal Presentation

Verbal Presentation

2:30 pm

03 May 2026

Bellevue Ballroom 2

Research Papers

Presentation Description

Institution: Perth Children's Hospital - WA, Australia

Purpose: Post-tonsillectomy bleeding (PTB) is a common cause of emergency department (ED) presentation and can be life-threatening. Primary PTB is less frequent but often requires urgent intervention. Safe management depends on effective multidisciplinary (MDT) coordination, early haemostatic measures, risk stratification, and timely escalation. Methodology: This presentation draws on two related experiences illustrating MDT approaches to PTB, both published in the International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology. The first is the STOP study, which evaluated nebulised tranexamic acid (TXA) as an early haemostatic adjunct for patients presenting to a tertiary paediatric ED with non-severe PTB, assessing feasibility and impact on local practice. The second is a national, multicentre case series of catastrophic primary PTB following intracapsular tonsillectomy, demonstrating escalation pathways for severe haemorrhage, including return to theatre and interventional radiology-guided control. Results:In the STOP study, nebulised TXA was a low-risk, easily administered intervention that assisted early bleeding control and improved visualisation. A key outcome was the development of a simple ED-based PTB severity grading system (Grades 1–4), enabling rapid identification of severe bleeding requiring immediate escalation to theatre. This system remains embedded in ED practice. The case series shows that primary PTB can present as sudden, catastrophic haemorrhage requiring immediate MDT involvement, with successful management relying on airway planning, anaesthetic support, rapid theatre mobilisation, and interventional radiology when required. Conclusion:These experiences demonstrate that effective PTB management extends beyond individual treatments. Early haemostatic adjuncts, simple ED-based risk stratification, and clear MDT escalation pathways involving ENT, anaesthetics, theatre teams, and interventional radiology are central to improving patient safety in both routine and high-risk PTB presentations.
Presenters
Authors
Authors

Dr Amy Hannigan - , Dr Kate Wheadon - , Prof Meredith Borland - , Dr Hayley Herbert -