Kevin Wasko, Chief of the ED at North York General Hospital, shares insights on managing post-tonsillectomy hemorrhages. Brit Long discusses critical strategies for assessing and managing post-CABG incision infections. Anand Swaminathan provides expert tips on using gum elastic bougies for airway management. Leah Flannigan highlights the importance of identifying vascular injuries in pelvic fractures. Andrew Petrosoniak emphasizes the value of debriefing in trauma resuscitations, enhancing team performance and patient outcomes.
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Quick takeaways
Understanding the classification and management of post-tonsillectomy hemorrhage is vital for timely intervention and patient stabilization.
Implementing structured debriefing after clinical events can enhance team performance, improve communication, and ultimately lead to better patient outcomes.
Deep dives
Understanding Post-Tonsillectomy Bleeding
There are two primary classifications of post-tonsillectomy bleeding: primary and secondary. Primary bleeds occur within the first 24 hours, often tied to intraoperative factors or underlying coagulopathy, while secondary bleeds can arise from five to fourteen days post-surgery due to clot sloughing. Understanding the timing and nature of these bleeds is essential, as secondary bleeds may start as mere trickles but can escalate to significant hemorrhages. It’s crucial to involve ENT specialists early in the management of these patients to ensure timely and effective care.
Management Approaches for Bleeding Patients
A structured approach is recommended for managing patients experiencing post-tonsillectomy bleeding, which includes resuscitation, early escalation to ENT, and temporizing measures. Resuscitation focuses on stabilizing the patient while ensuring they remain comfortable and upright for proper observation. Options for temporizing measures include applying direct pressure, using topical agents, and administering tranexamic acid (TXA) in various forms, either nebulized or intravenous. This multi-pronged strategy aims to buy time while facilitating transport to a tertiary care facility for definitive treatment.
Airway Management Considerations
In cases where a patient exhibits respiratory distress due to blood aspiration, securing the airway becomes paramount. Calling for assistance and ensuring adequate suctioning capabilities are vital to maintain visibility and manage the airway effectively. The strategy involves preparation for rapid sequence intubation (RSI), typically employing video laryngoscopy, while keeping a close watch on the patient’s vitals. Additionally, investigating potential underlying coagulopathies through laboratory tests can guide further management and treatment decisions.
The Importance of Debriefing in Emergency Settings
Debriefing after significant clinical events enhances team performance and learning outcomes, yet it remains underutilized in emergency medicine. Conducting debriefs helps teams reflect on their experiences, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and ensuring everyone’s perspective is heard. Popular frameworks suggest keeping debriefs immediate, focused on team performance, and brief to accommodate busy environments. Normalizing the practice can facilitate better teamwork, leading to improved patient care and outcomes over time.
On this month's EM Quick Hits podcast: Kevin Wasko on post-tonsillectomy hemorrhage management, Brit Long on assessment and management of post-CABG surgical incision infections, Anand Swaminathan on evidence, pitfalls and tips on using Bougies, Leah Flannigan on when to suspect vascular injury in patients with low energy mechanism pelvic fractures, Andrew Petrosoniak on debriefing after cases: why, when and how...
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