A tonsillectomy is the surgical removal of the tonsils, the two pads of tissue in the back of the throat. It is one of the most commonly performed surgical procedures in the United States. The surgery is used to treat recurring or severe tonsillitis, sleep-disordered breathing issues or other complications of enlarged tonsils.
If you or your child has an upcoming tonsillectomy, you may be wondering what to expect from the procedure. The following can help prepare you.
A tonsillectomy is typically an outpatient procedure performed under anesthesia. Without complications, you can expect a 10-day to two-week recovery period. Adults will usually need a longer recovery time than children. Your doctor may ask a few things of you in preparation for the surgery.
Before The Surgery
In the days and weeks leading up to the, surgery the doctor may ask you to prepare in a few ways.
• The doctor may ask you to stop taking or change doses of certain medications you may be on.
• You may be required to do bloodwork or take a sleep test, depending on your reason for having a tonsillectomy.
• You shouldn’t eat or drink anything for a certain time before your scheduled surgery. Your doctor will provide you with instructions about food and drink prior to the surgery.
• Since your surgery will be performed under anesthesia, you should plan to receive a ride home afterward.
• On the day of the surgery, after check-in, the nurse will ask questions to confirm your identity and prepare for the surgery. This is standard practice to protect patient safety.
All pre-surgery instructions are intended to keep you safe and ensure you’re as prepared as possible for the surgery.
During the surgery, you or your child won’t experience pain or be aware of the surgical movements because you’ll be under anesthesia. As part of the procedure, your doctor will remove the tonsils with a blade or specialized surgical tool. When you wake up, a doctor will check on you and someone from your care team will provide you with aftercare instructions for the procedure.
After The Surgery
There are some common symptoms to expect following a tonsillectomy. These symptoms can be managed by following any medication instructions given by your doctor.
It’s important to rest for several days following the surgery and avoid physical activity. Continue to get plenty of fluids via water and ice pops and eat bland, easy-to-swallow foods to maintain your physical health. It may be a good idea to stock up on foods like applesauce and bone broth from The Good Food Farmacy in preparation for your surgery.
Common potential symptoms:
• Moderate to severe throat pain
• Nausea and vomiting
• Mild fever
• Bad breath and a swollen tongue or throat
• Pain in the jaw, ears or neck
• The feeling that something is stuck in your throat
During recovery, if you or your child experience signs of dehydration, you should seek medical attention. You should also seek medical attention if you or your child begins bleeding bright red blood as opposed to specks of blood.
Seek medical attention for your child if they have a fever of 102 degrees or higher or if they appear to be having trouble breathing. Following aftercare instructions from your doctor is essential to recovering smoothly from a tonsillectomy or any surgery.
If you have questions about your or your child’s tonsillectomy, contact Southwest Idaho ENT to schedule an appointment.