The use of the laryngeal mask airway in post-tonsillectomy haemorrhage--a case report.

INTRODUCTION The use of the laryngeal mask airway in elective adenotonsillectomy has been well described. However, there is no literature to support its use in post-tonsillectomy haemorrhage. CLINICAL PICTURE We report a case of a patient who presented with primary post-tonsillectomy haemorrhage, which required general anaesthesia for haemostasis after undergoing bilateral functional endoscopic sinus surgery, uvulopalatopharyngoplasty and tonsillectomy. TREATMENT AND OUTCOME The laryngeal mask airway was used successfully after an initial attempt at endotracheal intubation had failed. There were no complications. CONCLUSIONS The laryngeal mask airway can be used to secure the airway for haemostasis for post-tonsillectomy haemorrhage if intubation is not possible.