Tonsillectomy

Prior to Procedure

Your doctor will likely do the following:

• Physical exam of the tonsils, throat, and neck, at minimum
• Blood test
• Possibly a urine test
• Review of medications; some may need to be stopped or adjusted for the procedure

In the days leading up to your procedure:

• Do not take aspirin, aspirin-containing medications, or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs).
• The night before, eat a light meal and do not eat or drink anything after midnight, including mouthwash, toothpaste, lozenges, chewing gum, and water.

During Procedure

• Anesthesia, and possibly sedation
• Breathing tube
• Retractor that holds your mouth open
• Depressor that holds your tongue down

Anesthesia

General anesthesia is most common, but tonsillectomy can be performed with sedation and local anesthesia.

Description of the Procedure

One at a time, the surgeon will grasp each tonsil with tonsil forceps and cut it away from surrounding tissues. The tonsil is then removed with a snare or a tonsil guillotine clamp. Electrocauterization (scarring with an electrical current) or clamps and ties are used to stop bleeding from the blood vessels at the site where the tonsils were removed. Radiofrequency ablation can be used to reduce the volume and size of the tonsils.

After Procedure

How Long Will It Take?

The procedure typically takes 20 to 60 minutes.

Will It Hurt?

Anesthesia prevents pain during the procedure, but pain after the procedure is common. Your doctor may prescribe pain medication or recommend over-the-counter pain drugs for you.

Possible Complications

• Excessive bleeding from the site where the tonsils were removed
• Adverse reaction to the anesthesia
• Vomiting and dehydration

Average Hospital Stay

An otherwise healthy person can usually have this procedure done on an outpatient basis. Some patients may need to stay in the hospital for up to two days.

Postoperative Care

• Drink plenty of fluids (avoid acidic drinks)
• Take acetaminophen (Tylenol) or other pain medication prescribed by your physician to relieve pain
• Apply ice to relieve pain
• Take antibiotics, if they are prescribed, to treat or prevent infection
• Avoid talking, coughing, and singing for one week
• Avoid swallowing hard items such as crackers and hard cookies, as they may injure the back of the throat
• Avoid vigorous exercise for 12 to 14 days
• Avoid spicy, acidic, and hard-to-digest foods
• Eat soft foods such as gelatin and pudding for 3 to 4 days after surgery, and gradually return to a normal diet
• Bathe or shower as usual