Pathophysiology
Clinical meaning
Tonsillectomy is the surgical removal of the palatine tonsils, performed most commonly for recurrent tonsillitis or obstructive sleep apnea in children. The tonsillar fossa is a highly vascular area supplied by branches of the external carotid artery. After surgical excision, a fibrin clot (white eschar) forms over the wound bed and sloughs off naturally over 7-10 days. The greatest risk is post-operative hemorrhage, which can occur within the first 24 hours (primary) or 5-10 days post-operatively (secondary) when the eschar separates. The nurse monitors for bleeding, pain, hydration status, and dietary progression, reporting concerns immediately.