CO2 Laser Surgery: Benefits & Risks
Benefits and Risks
Benefits
Patients who have their tonsils and/or adenoids removed may have fewer throat infections and reduced days of absence from school due to sore throat and upper respiratory infections. CO2 Laser Surgery benefits include:
- Reduced need for anesthesia
- Out-patient procedure which can be performed in a physician’s office
- Decreased recovery time
- Improved results
- Faster return to work or school
Risks
As with any surgery, there are associated risks involved with or without anesthesia. You or a child's surgery will be performed safely and with care. You should discuss the benefits and risks completely with your physician and make sure that he or she is aware of any pre-existing or concurrent medical conditions.
Some of the risks, although very rare, can include:
- Repeated occasions of sore throat, ear infections/sinus infections and nasal drainage.
- The need for blood transfusions during surgery. Discuss this possibility with your physician.
- Infection and/or dehydration requiring the need for intravenous fluids, prolonged pain and slow healing which could require a hospital stay.
- A permanent change in your voice or the regurgitation (reflux) of food or fluids through the nose (very rare).
- Failure to improve breathing through the nose, sleep apnea, snoring and mouth breathing.