Tonsils and Adenoids

Surgery (Adenoidectomy/Tonsillectomy)

The surgery is done under general anaesthesia. Severe reactions to general anaesthesia are rare in children.

An anaesthetist will discuss the risks of anaesthesia with you before the surgery. The surgery is done through the mouth and nose. No cuts will be made on the face or neck.

Potential risks during and after the surgery include:

• Injury to the teeth, tongue, lips, and jaw.
• Bleeding during the surgery, or up to 2 weeks after. This may require readmission and surgery to stop the bleeding.
• Dehydration from insufficient fluid intake due to pain.
• Leaking of fluids into the nose when drinking. This is usually temporary.
• Grisel’s syndrome, a very rare condition which leads to instability of the neck.
• Persistent middle ear fluid due to scarring at the back of the nose. This is very rare.