The tonsils are pieces of lymphatic tissue that function to protect the body from infection; however, they often become a source of infection and pain. Occasionally, they grow large and impair breathing, especially during sleep. While the surgical removal of the tonsils, called a tonsillectomy, is a common procedure in children, it is less common and slightly more risky for adults.
Bleeding
Bleeding is a concern from the time of surgery until two weeks afterward. MayoClinic.com explains that abnormal bleeding may occur during the procedure, causing extended hospitalization and recovery period. Normally, the area of the throat where the tonsils were removed will form a scab that releases within two weeks. For around 20 percent of adults, however, excess bleeding occurs when the scab is removed--whether it comes off on its own, or is dislodged by food, coughing or excessive activity during recuperation. This usually necessitates emergency medical care to assess the degree of bleeding; some cases require surgical intervention to control the blood loss.
Anesthesia Side Effects
Some adults react poorly to anesthetic agents, either during surgery or within the first few days of convalescence. Older adults may become confused and have a difficult time returning to their usual mental status. Breathing problems are another risk of general anesthesia, the type of anesthesia used most often in the United States for tonsillectomy procedures.
Infection
All surgeries carry a risk of infection. This type of infection may manifest within a day of surgery or not become apparent for a week or so. Intravenous antibiotics and an extended hospital stay may be necessary to get the infection under control. Rarely, an infection can become life threatening in an older adult or someone with a compromised immune system.
Extended Recovery Time
According to MayoClinic.com, some adults need more than four weeks to recover from a tonsillectomy. It is difficult to know prior to surgery how quickly an individual will heal. Some adults experience a great deal of pain during the recovery process. This pain can make eating difficult for a number of weeks, and narcotic pain medication may be required, which carries its own risk of negative side effects.
Uvula Damage
MedlinePlus explains that, occasionally, an adult suffers injury to the uvula-- the visible soft tissue that hangs from the roof of the throat--during surgery. This can lead to excessive bleeding or pain.
References
- "Medical-Surgical Nursing"; Donna Ignatavicius, M.S., R.N. and Linda Workman, Ph.D., R.N.; 2002
- Mayo Clinic.com: Tonsillectomy
- MedlinePlus: Tonsillectomy
