Gleycy Correia, Former Miss Brazil, Dies Following Tonsillectomy

Brazilian beauty queen Gleycy Correia is dead following complications from a surgery to remove her tonsils.

Speaking through a spokesperson, her family says Correia underwent the tonsillectomy in late March; five days later, she reportedly suffered a hemorrhage and went to a local hospital in Brazil where she suffered a heart attack.

The family released details through their priest, Lidiane Alves Oliviera, who said she had no brain activity for the past two months and was left in a coma. She passed away this week at 27 years old. 

Correia was a popular instagramer who showcased her makeup and beauty techniques on social media. In 2018 she won the title Miss Brazil United Continents, something she took great pride in due to her humble beginnings. Correia frequently spoke of being raised in poverty and was known for posting inspirational messages to her more than 50,000 followers.

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Tonsillectomy was once a common medical procedure to treat infection and inflammation of the tonsils, known as tonsillitis. As children, the two oval-shaped tonsils serve as a frontline defense against bacteria and viruses that enter the body through the mouth. That beneficial function declines after puberty. 

Nowadays, tonsillectomy is often performed to correct a sleep-breathing disorder including apnea. The underlying nature of Correia’s surgery has not been made public. The operation to remove tonsils are typically performed under general anesthesia, and often as an out-patient. Surgeons will either remove the tonsils with a scalpel or heat ablation to destroy the tissue.

About a half-million tonsillectomies are performed  in the u.s. each year, making it one of the most frequently performed general surgeries. According to the Journal of the American Medical Association, about one in every 20,000 patients die as a result. Jama’s published literature states virtually all deaths come from preventable causes. they include inadequate oxygen during the procedure that results in cardiac arrest, or bleeding.

in 2016, 20 year old college football player A.J. Schlatter died suddenly from a suspected blood clot two days after having his tonsils removed.

While family, friends and fans are mourning Gleicy Correia’s death, her body has been sent for an autopsy to answer more questions about her death.