Common Postoperative Complications in Otolaryngology Presenting to the Pediatric Emergency Department

Postoperative complications in pediatric otolaryngology often present to the emergency department. Posttonsillectomy hemorrhage is a feared complication due to its lethal potential and should be managed in conjunction with an otolaryngologist. Physicians should possess and awareness of procedures that have been used in an emergent setting. Postoperative pain management options are discussed including acetaminophen, acetaminophen with codeine, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Rare postadenoidectomy complications such as nasopharyngeal stenosis and Grisel syndrome are discussed. Tympanostomy tubes are the most common surgery in children, and the proper treatment of posttympanostomy tube otorrhea is discussed.