Tonsillectomy And Adenoidectomy
Surgical Instructions
Your doctor has recommended a tonsillectomy and/or
adenoidectomy for you
or your child. The following information is provided to help
you prepare
for your, or your child's, surgery, and to help you understand
more
clearly the associated benefits, risks, and complications. You
are
encouraged to ask your doctor any questions that you feel
necessary to
help you better understand the above procedure.
The tonsils and adenoids are masses of lymphoid tissue located
in the
mouth and behind the nasal passages, respectively. Infected or
enlarged
tonsils may cause chronic or recurrent sore throat, bad breath,
dental
malocclusion, abscess, or upper airway obstruction causing
difficulty with
swallowing, snoring, or sleep apnea. Infected adenoids may
become
enlarged, obstruct breathing, cause ear infections, or other
problems.
Tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy are surgical procedures
performed to
remove the tonsils and adenoids.
These instructions are designed to help you, or your child,
recover from
surgery as easily as possible. Taking care of yourself, or your
child, can
prevent complications. Your doctor will be happy to answer any
questions
that you have regarding this material. If your child is having
ear tube
surgery (myringotomies and tympanostomy tubes placed) in
conjunction with
his/her tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy, please visit the MedicineNet.com
Myringotomy & Tympanoplasty
(Ear Tubes) Forum.
What are the risks and complications of tonsillectomy and
adenoidectomy?
Your, or your child's, surgery will be performed safely and
with care in
order to obtain the best possible results. The surgery may
involve risks
of unsuccessful results, complications, or injury from both
known and
unforeseen causes. Because individuals differ in their response
to
surgery, their anesthetic reactions, and their healing outcomes,
ultimately there can be no guarantee made as to the results or
potential
complications. Furthermore, surgical outcomes may be dependent
on
preexisting or concurrent medical conditions.
The following complications have been reported in the medical
literature. This list is not meant to be inclusive of every
possible
complication. They are listed here for your information only,
not to
frighten you, but to make you aware and more knowledgeable
concerning this
surgical procedure. Although many of these complications are
rare, all
have occurred at one time or another in the hands of
experienced surgeons
practicing the standard of community care. Anyone who is
contemplating
surgery must weigh the potential risks and complications
against the
potential benefits of the surgery, or any alternative to
surgery.
- Failure to alleviate every episode of sore throat, or
resolve subsequent or concurrent ear or sinus infections/nasal drainage.
Possible need for additional surgery.
- Bleeding. In very rare situations, a need for blood
products or a
blood transfusion. You have the
right, should you choose, to have autologous or designated donor directed
blood prepared in advance in case an emergency transfusion was necessary. You
are encouraged to consult with your doctor if you are interested in this
option.
- Infection, dehydration,
prolonged pain, and/or impaired healing which could lead to the necessity for
hospital admission for fluids and/or pain control.
- A permanent change in voice or nasal regurgitation
(rare).
- Failure to improve the nasal airway or resolve snoring,
sleep apnea,
or mouth breathing.
Next: What happens before surgery? »
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