ABSTRACT
As with tonsillectomy, bleeding will complicate a proportion of adenoidectomies. Bleeding is rarely severe, but it is wise to ensure that there is no history of bleeding tendency before embarking on an adenoidectomy. Secondary haemorrhage due to infection occurs in probably less than 1% of adenoidectomies. Again, bed rest and antibiotics are the usual treatment, but occasionally a severe bleed from the adenoid bed will require a return to the operating theatre; under these circumstances a postnasal pack is inevitably required.
