Sutures and Wound Repair/ General Surgery (ABSA) Practice Test

How is bleeding from the tonsillar bed controlled?

1. Suture ligature rather than pressure

2. Pressure rather than suture ligature

3. Burning rather than freezing

4. Electrocautery rather than suturing

The correct answer is: Pressure rather than suture ligature

Bleeding from the tonsillar bed is primarily controlled through the application of pressure, which is essential in managing the vascular supply of the area. Pressure helps to constrict blood vessels, effectively reducing blood flow and allowing for natural clotting mechanisms to take place. In tonsillectomy procedures, the tonsillar bed is often vascular, containing numerous small blood vessels that, if injured, can lead to significant bleeding. Applying pressure directly to the area can facilitate hemostasis during surgery. This method is often preferred as it is quick, easy to implement, and minimizes the need for additional interventions such as sutures. While other methods such as suture ligature, cautery, or chemical methods may be employed in different contexts, they are not the first line for managing initial bleeding from a tonsillar bed. Immediate pressure application is typically the most effective and simplest initial response to control bleeding in this scenario.