The tonsils, lumps of tissue located at the back of the throat, can become irritated or infected, causing severe pain. A tonsillectomy may be needed when medication does not reduce the inflammation in the throat or when chronic tonsil infections interfere with normal functioning, according to MayoClinic.com. A tonsillectomy is a surgical procedure used to remove inflamed, infected and enlarged tonsils that are causing problems with breathing, swallowing or eating. Complications are rare, as with any surgery, they do occur.
Allergic Reaction to Anesthesia
Some adults may experience an allergic reaction to the general anesthesia administered during a tonsillectomy, according to MayoClinic.com. General anesthesia usually is administered through a combination of intravenous drugs and inhaled gasses. Allergic reactions can range from mild symptoms, such as temporary mental confusion or headaches, to more severe symptoms such as heart attack, stroke, lung infections and or death. Allergic reactions to anesthesia usually are mild and eventually wear off once the medication is discontinued. In rare cases, a severe allergic reaction may arise that requires emergency medical intervention.
Bleeding
Adults who undergo a tonsillectomy may experience bleeding during or immediately after the surgery, according to MayoClinic.com. While some bleeding is expected following any surgery, severe bleeding that continues for long periods of time can be life-threatening. Some adults may also bleed when the throat scab comes off before the wound is completely healed. MedlinePlus states that constant swallowing may be a sign that the surgical site is bleeding. Bleeding usually stops after a few days, but in severe cases emergency surgery may be required to stop the bleeding.
Swelling
A common complication associated with an adult tonsillectomy is swelling, according to the MayoClinic.com. Adults may experience a swollen tongue immediately following the procedure. A swollen and inflamed tongue can close the airways in the throat and cause breathing difficulties. Swelling may also occur following the surgery if the surgical site becomes infected. An infection can occur when harmful bacteria enters the mouth during the surgery and infects the throat and the surrounding tissue. In rare cases, an infection can enter the bloodstream and spread to other parts of the body. Symptoms of infection may include redness in the throat, pus and or high fever.
