The following is a general outline of what you can expect if you or your child is scheduled to have a tonsillectomy or adenoidectomy. The information provided here is not intended or recommended as a substitute for professional medical advice. Always discuss any symptoms or treatment options with your primary care physician or an ENT specialist to review whether you or a loved one may be a candidate for a tonsillectomy or adenoidectomy.

Weeks before surgery

Depending on the age and temperament of your child, you may or may not want to explain the details of the surgery to him/her. Many parents—especially parents of young children, choose not to. Whatever you decide, focus on the positive to help reduce any anxiety that your child may have about the procedure.

Your doctor will give you a list of “dos and don'ts”. He or she will let you know what medications you can and cannot take before surgery and what you can eat. You will probably be told not to drink or eat anything for six to eight hours before surgery. Avoid Ibuprofen the week prior to surgery.

The day of the surgery

The procedure will take place at a hospital or surgical center. Be sure to arrive in plenty of time to get settled. Your child may want to bring a change of clothes and a favorite toy or stuffed animal.

The surgical procedure

Just before surgery the anesthesia team will administer anesthetic. Small children are usually given the anesthetic using a clear plastic mask that allows them to breathe easily. Older patients may be given the anesthetic intravenously using a small needle.

After the anesthesia takes effect, the doctor will begin the surgery. The patient's tongue depressed using a tongue depressor, and the surgeon removes the tonsils using an instrument designed for the surgical method he or she is using. If the adenoids need to be removed, they will also be removed at this time. The surgeon removes the tonsils and adenoids through the mouth. No external cuts are made on the skin. The procedure usually takes about 30 minutes to an hour. During surgery, the patient (you or your child) will be monitored continuously.

After the surgery

When the surgery is done, the physician will check to make sure there is no active bleeding or other complications. If everything is fine, the patient will then be taken to the recovery room until fully recovered from the effects of the anesthesia. This may take several hours, but in most cases, you or your child will be able to return home on the same the day.

Recovery

At home after the surgery, it is important to get plenty of rest. The diet should consist of light, cool foods that are easy to chew and swallow. Start with small amounts of food in order to avoid an upset stomach, and work up to larger quantities slowly. It is important to drink lots of fluid.

A full recovery will take one to two weeks, depending on the individual patient. During this time, you or your child will miss several days of work or school. Follow your doctor's instructions and avoid strenuous activities. If a fever develops, or if there is bleeding, or the appearance of flu-like symptoms such as headaches, swelling, and nausea occurs, let your doctor know.