A patient can be safely discharged following tonsillectomy if certain precautions are taken to minimize the risk if post-tonsillectomy hemorrhage occurs.
Situations requiring that precautions be taken:
(1) The patient has risk factors for post-tonsillectomy hemorrhage.
(2) The patient has had one or more episodes of hemorrhage following the tonsillectomy.
(3) It may be difficult for the patient to get medical care promptly once discharged (due to distance, weather, transporation needs, etc).
(4) The patient will be left alone for a significant period of time.
(5) The family or patient is unlikely to comply with care instructions.
If a problem is identified then an individualized solution should be developed.
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