Sepsis- An unusual post tonsillectomy complication

Tonsillectomy is a commonly performed procedure in children. Disseminated sepsis is a rare complication of tonsillectomy. Patients usually present with hypotension, reduced oxygen saturation, tachycardia with high total count and reduced urine output. Our patient also required NIV (non-invasive ventilation), ionotropes and antibiotics with serial blood examinations. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment will help in better outcome. The tonsils contain T lymphocytes and macrophages as they serve immune defense mechanisms. Tonsillitis is most commonly caused by viral infection, 40% of cases are caused by bacterial infection. Immunological functions like antigen transport and antibody production are altered in diseased tonsils. The presence of various micro organisms in the open tonsillar bed during and after tonsillectomy acts as foci of infection. The tissue reaction and presence of micro-organisms is also due to different surgical techniques involved.