Inherited bleeding disorders are frequently considered an absolute con
traindication to tonsillectomy and other ENT procedures. Over a 15-yea
r period we have performed ten elective tonsillectomies and five bilat
eral myringotomies on children with inherited bleeding disorders. All
procedures were carried out with the close co-operation of the Haemato
logy Department in the hospital. All patients underwent uneventful sur
gery. One patient returned after tonsillectomy with a secondary haemor
rhage which did not require surgical intervention. We present our team
approach to the management of these children and demonstrate that nec
essary surgical intervention can be undertaken safely in this select g
roup of patients.