Concurrent Late Post-Tonsillectomy Hemorrhage and Dengue Fever in a 17-Year-Old Girl: A Case Report

Objective: To present the case of a 17-year-old girl who was readmitted post-tonsillectomy due to dengue fever, hematemesis and late tonsillar bleeding three weeks after the surgery. Results: A previously healthy 17-year-old Filipino girl underwent uncomplicated elective tonsillectomy for chronic hypertrophic tonsillitis. Twenty days post-operatively, she developed fever, thrombocytopenia and massive hematemesis. Despite intensive care management for severe dengue fever with concurrent late post tonsillectomy bleeding, the patient died from hemorrhagic shock on post-operative day 21. Conclusion: This appears to be the first reported case of concurrent late post-tonsillectomy hemorrhage and dengue fever in a previously healthy adolescent girl. In dengue-endemic areas, post-tonsillectomy patients should be counseled about dengue prevention and advised to seek medical attention for persistent fever. Early recognition and management of this potentially fatal combination is crucial for improving patient outcomes.