McMaster Children’s Hospital suspends tonsil surgeries after 2 recent deaths

Hamilton Health Sciences (HHS) announced today that it has paused scheduled tonsil and adenoid surgical procedures for patients under the age of 18 at McMaster Children’s Hospital (MCH) as of Tuesday June 4, 2024.

According to a press release, HHS is pausing this program “out of an abundance of caution,” after two recent pediatric deaths following discharge from tonsil and/or adenoid surgery at MCH. According to HHS, one child passed away the day after their surgery and the second child passed away nine days after their initial surgery.

“While there is no apparent connection between these two cases, we are also undertaking a comprehensive review by external subject matter experts of our pediatric program for tonsil and adenoid surgeries,” HHS stated in a press release.

Emergency pediatric tonsil and adenoid surgeries will proceed, while all adult ear, nose, throat (ENT) surgeries are proceeding. The ENT Clinic also remains operational.

“We recognize that this is a difficult message for our patients and families,” the official noted in the press release. “Patient safety is the most important priority at our hospital and we will only resume scheduled surgeries once the review is complete. We are now in the process of contacting patients and families about their scheduled surgeries.”

Patients and their families are advised to follow up with their care provider with questions about their tonsil and/or adenoid surgery, their care provider as needed. You may also contact the Hamilton Health Sciences Patient Experience department at (email protected) or 905-521-2100 ext. 75240.