Tonsillectomy (cont.)
What are the risks and complications of tonsillectomy and
adenoidectomy?
The patient'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 there may be a need for blood
products or a
blood transfusion. The
patient has the
right, should he/she choose, to have autologous or designated donor directed
blood prepared in advance in case an emergency transfusion was necessary.
Patients
are encouraged to consult with a doctor if they are interested in this
option.
- Infection, dehydration,
prolonged pain, and/or impaired healing that 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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