Complications of adenotonsillectomy.
OBJECTIVE
To review the immediate, short-term, and long-term complications of adenotonsillectomy.


METHODS
Review.


METHODS
Complications of adenotonsillectomy and methods for preventing and treating them were reviewed.


RESULTS
The most common complications of adenotonsillectomy, such as bleeding, generally occur in the immediate perioperative period but can develop up to 2 weeks postoperatively. Long-term complications, such as nasopharyngeal stenosis, may appear months to years after surgery. These more unusual sequelae result from scar contracture and maturation.


CONCLUSIONS
Although rare, complications associated with adenotonsillectomy can be taxing for patients and health care resources. The most common complications, namely, anesthesia risks, pain, otalgia, and bleeding, should be discussed with patients' caregivers.
Johnson
Liane B
LB
Department of Pediatric Otolaryngology, Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio 45229, USA. john85@chmcc.org
Elluru
Ravindhra G
RG
Myer
Charles M
CM
D000233:Adenoidectomy / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000379:methods; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007431:Intraoperative Complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology; D011379:Prognosis; D018570:Risk Assessment; D014068:Tonsillectomy / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000379:methods