Table 1

The initial indication for surgery in all cases of post-tonsillectomy haemorrhage

IndicationProportion of post-tonsillectomy haemorrhages (n)
Recurrent tonsillitis48.4% (30)
Asymmetrical tonsils/histology8.1% (5)
OSA/SDB17.7% (11)
Mixed indication24.2% (15)
Not documented1.6% (1)

  • Mixed includes cases with both obstructive and infective indications.

  • OSA, obstructive sleep apnoea; SDB, sleep disordered breathing.