TONSILLECTOMY AND/OR ADENOIDECTOMY
SURGERY INFORMATION
Indications:
- Recurrent infections - acute or chronic
- Airway obstruction
- Recurrent peritonsillar abscesses
- Chronic bad breath related to tonsillar crypt debris
- Eating or swallowing disorders
- Certain cases of recurrent otitis media
- Suspected malignancy
Risks: Below are listed approximate risks for tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy:
- Anesthesia-related problems - 1 out of 10,000
- Death from bleeding - 1 out of 35,000
- Need for transfusion - Less than 1 out of 100
- Return for control of bleeding - 1 out of 100
- Adverse voice change - 1 out of 10,000
Preoperative tests:
- Complete blood count
- Other tests as indicated by patient's history
Anesthesia:
Tonsillectomy/adenoidectomy is performed under a general anesthetic lasting 30-45 minutes. The major risks of anesthesia are uncontrollable temperatures and heart, circulation or lung problems. The overall risk is approximately 1 in 10,000 of an adverse reaction.
Surgery:
Tonsils/adenoids are removed through the mouth under general anesthesia lasting 30-45 minutes. All bleeding is controlled using electrocautery.
Hospital stay:
These procedures can be done on an outpatient basis. Approximately 90% of children are able to go home after being observed for a safe period of time. Any persistent nausea and vomiting or any evidence of bleeding or dehydration means overnight observation is necessary. If a child is younger than 2 or lives more than a 30 minute drive from the hospital, overnight stay is recommended.