A patient on the same evening following thyroidectomy presents with a swelling in the neck and difficult breathing. Next management would be:: (A) Open immediatly, (B) Intubate oro-tracheally, (C) Wait and watch, (D) Administer oxygen by mask
Answer is A. The next step should be opening the sutures and release the tension hematoma which is causing difficulty in breathing. Ref: Harrison's Internal Medicine, 18th Edition, Page 362; Bailey and Love's Sho Practice of Surgery, 25th Edition, Page 790, 792 and 23rd Edition, Page 727.