How Often Do Throat Surgery Complications Occur?Throat Infection
1 month ago
I often read about risks of throat surgery such as damage to nerves, bleeding, or difficulty swallowing long-term. How common are these complications in reality, and do they depend on the type of throat surgery being done?
Answers (1)
Complications vary depending on the complexity of the surgery. Routine procedures like tonsillectomy carry very low long-term risk, while major cancer-related surgeries can have higher chances of nerve involvement or swallowing difficulty. Bleeding is the most immediate risk but is usually managed effectively in the hospital. Permanent nerve damage or swallowing issues are uncommon and generally occur only in complex surgeries. Modern surgical techniques and careful post-operative care reduce risks significantly. Your ENT can give a detailed risk assessment based on the exact surgery planned.
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