A rare cause of recurrent massive post-tonsillectomy bleed: Facial artery pseudoaneurysm

Abstract

Post-tonsillectomy haemorrhage is a potentially serious and sometimes fatal complication. It is commonly caused by infection or premature separation of membrane granulation tissue. Conventional haemostatic measures, such as ice water gargles, electrocautery or surgical ligation, usually will control the bleeding. We report a case of a delayed recurrent massive post-tonsillectomy bleeding resistant to usual measures, which required external carotid ligation. Computed tomography angiogram performed later revealed a pseudoaneurysm of the facial artery, which was successfully controlled with endovascular embolisation of the left facial artery.