Tonsillectomy and Adenoidectomy
Preparing for Surgery
For at least two weeks before surgical procedures, children should refrain from taking NSAIDs such as Motrin or Advil. These may cause post-operative bleeding.
If your child or family has had any problems with anesthesia, the surgeon should be informed. If your child is taking any other medications, has sickle cell anemia, has a bleeding disorder, is pregnant, has concerns about the transfusion of blood, or has used steroids in the past year, the surgeon should be informed.
- Blood testing is not routinely done in children before surgery unless there are special medical circumstances.
- Generally, after midnight prior to the operation, no food or liquids may be taken by mouth, including chewing gum, mouthwashes, throat lozenges, toothpaste, water. Anything in the stomach may be vomited when anesthesia is induced, and this is dangerous. Depending on the age of your child, a clear liquid such as water or apple juice may be taken until 4 am. A nurse from the hospital will call the night before surgery to go over these guidelines.
Talking to Your Child about Tonsillectomy and Adenoidectomy
Talk to your child about his/her feelings and provide strong reassurance and support throughout the process. Encourage the idea that the procedure will make him/her healthier. Be with your child as much as possible before and after the surgery. Tell him/her to expect a sore throat after surgery. Reassure your child that the operation does not remove any important parts of the body, and that he/she will not look any different afterward. If your child has a friend who has had this surgery, it may be helpful to talk about it with that friend.
The Day of Surgery
When your child arrives, the anesthesiologist or nursing staff will meet with your family to review the patient's history. Your child and one or both parents will then be taken to the operating room, and your child will be given an anesthetic. Intravenous fluids are usually given during and after surgery.
After the operation, your child will be taken to the recovery area and you will join your child shortly thereafter. Recovery room staff will observe your child until discharged. Every patient is special, and recovery times vary for each individual. Many patients are released after 2? hours. Others are kept overnight. Intensive care may be needed for select cases.
We will provide you with the details of pre-operative and postoperative care and answer any questions you may have.
After Tonsillectomy or Adenoidectomy
There are several postoperative symptoms that may arise. These include (but are not limited to) swallowing problems, vomiting, fever, throat pain, and ear pain. Occasionally, bleeding may occur after surgery. This may be a life threatening problem and your surgeon should be notified immediately.
More Information on:
Online description and diagrams of tonsillectomy
For thorough information on adenoidectomy, please see Adenoidectomy at emedicine.com
Source: the American Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Inc. 2001.
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