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ENT Conditions and Procedures
Intracapsular tonsillectomy (5 of 5) - Risks of the operation

 

 

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Intracapsular tonsillectomy (5 of 5) - Risks of the operation


This leaflet is part of the EASY-READ series, created to improve accessibility for all readers.

The original leaflet is available here.


Intracapsular tonsillectomy

PART 5 OF 5

Risks of the operation

Click on each of the following questions to discover the answers.

 

WHAT ARE THE RISKS OF A  TONSILLECTOMY?

 

TONSIL OPERATION is usually very safe


 

However, every operation has some risks

RISKS fall into the following groups


 

BLEEDING

The most serious problem after a tonsillectomy is bleeding

Intracapsular tonsillectomy has a much LOWER RISK of bleeding than other types of tonsillectomy

 

 

Bleeding affects 2 out of 1000 children having this operation


 

A very small number of these will need a second operation to stop the bleeding


 

If your child spits, vomits or coughs up bright red blood or clots take them to the EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT right away


 

INFECTION

Some children get a throat infection in the first two weeks after the operation


 

This usually happens if they have not been eating properly

 

 

You may notice a high temperature (38oC/100oF or above) that does not go down and a bad smell from your child’s throat


 

DAMAGE TO TEETH, LIPS AND GUMS

Your child’s mouth is kept open during the operation with an instrument

This sits on the teeth


 

It is NOT COMMON to damage, break, or lose a tooth


 

Sometimes a small amount of the tonsil may be left behind

Sometimes this may grow back


 

This means previous tonsil problems may come back

 

 

Around 2 in 100 children will need a second operation to remove this if it causes problems


 

GENERAL ANAESTHETIC

The operation takes place under general anaesthetic

Your child will be asleep during the operation


 

This is VERY SAFE for children

You will be told about the risks of a general anaesthetic

 

WHO DO I CONTACT IF THERE ARE PROBLEMS?

 

Please contact the day surgery unit or your GP if your child has the following problems:


 

Difficulty swallowing liquids


 

Painkillers do not help with their pain


 

A high temperature that does not go down


 

Go straight to your nearest EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT if your child has any of the following:


 

Difficulty breathing


 

Spitting out bright red blood or clots

Vomiting bright red, black or brown vomit

This could be blood and needs to be checked

 

 

 

CONTRIBUTIONS TO THIS DOCUMENT

   

Disclaimer: This publication is designed for the information of patients. Whilst every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, the information contained may not be comprehensive and patients should not act upon it without seeking professional advice.


 

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Date Published: 17/01/2025 Review Date: 17/01/2028

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