ENT surgery in children with inherited bleeding disorders

Inherited bleeding disorders are frequently considered an absolute contraindication to tonsillectomy and other ENT procedures. Over a 15-year period we have performed ten elective tonsillectomies and five bilateral myringotomies on children with inherited bleeding disorders. All procedures were carried out with the close co-operation of the Haematology Department in the hospital. All patients underwent uneventful surgery. One patient returned after tonsillectomy with a secondary haemorrhage which did not require surgical intervention. We present our team approach to the management of these children and demonstrate that necessary surgical intervention can be undertaken safely in this select group of patients.