This section will outline some of the risks of surgery. If you have any questions at the end of this section, please write them down and discuss them with your surgeon or anesthetist.

There are a number of risks associated with any surgical procedure. Some are common to all surgical procedures, and others are specifically related to removal of the tonsils and adenoids.

Standard surgical risks may include excessive bleeding and anesthesia complications such as allergic or adverse reactions to medications.

Your anesthetist is a physician or certified nurse practitioner fully licensed to administer anesthesia. Before surgery, you will have an opportunity to discuss the risks of anesthesia in detail with your anesthetist. They will be able to tell you about the types of medicines that will be used, their duration and any possible side effects.

Your surgeon and anesthetist are constantly monitoring for these kinds of problems, and will take immediate action should they occur.