McMaster Children’s Hospital halts tonsil and adenoid surgeries after deaths

HAMILTON – McMaster Children’s Hospital has stopped tonsil and adenoid surgeries after two children died from the procedures.

A statement issued Wednesday by Hamilton Health Sciences said both children died after being released from the hospital.

One of them died the day after the operation and the other child died nine days after the procedure.

The statement expresses the health network’s “deepest condolences” to the families.

The health network says there is no apparent link between the two deaths, but they are suspending operations “out of an abundance of caution” while outside experts review the pediatric tonsil and adenoid surgery program.

It says only pediatric emergency tonsil and adenoid surgery will continue and all ear, nose and throat surgery for adults will continue.

The hospital says it is in the process of contacting patients and their families about upcoming scheduled surgeries.

“We recognize that this is a difficult message for our patients and families. Patient safety is the highest priority at our hospital and we will only resume scheduled surgeries once the review is complete,” Hamilton Health Sciences said in its statement.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published on June 5, 2024.

Canadian Press medical coverage is supported through a partnership with the Canadian Medical Association. CP is solely responsible for this content.

The Canadian Press