A tonsillectomy is the removal of the tonsils, which are lymphoid tissue on both sides of the throat. During this procedure the surgeon may also remove the adenoids, which are lymphatic tissue at the juncture where the nose meets the mouth.
Advice
Be prepared: While some people recover very quickly, others can take more time. Your child may need to rest for at least two weeks following surgery.
Ask questions, meet with the individuals involved in your child’s care; consider meeting the anesthesiologist before the day of surgery and bring your child to the meeting.
Prepare your child with age-appropriate information for every step of the procedure.
Involve your child in the preparation process, including having him or her meet the surgeon and be comfortable with him or her prior to the day of the procedure.
Understand from the medical staff when your child will see you after the surgery (i.e., as they wake up or after they are awake).
For yourself and your child, get as much rest as you can after the surgery, and do not push yourself.
Keep your child hydrated during the recovery period.
Stories
Tonsillectomy/Pediatric
My four-year-old son had recurrent infections, snoring at night, lack of sleep and his tonsils were way too big. He had three sets of ear tubes: as soon as the tubes fell out he began to get infections again. The doctor recommended a tonsillectomy. Read More
Dawn, parent, female, 35, Massachusetts
Tonsillectomy/Pediatric
My 16-year-old daughter had chronic strep throat and ear infections. The doctor recommended that she have her tonsils and adenoids removed. Read More
Mark, parent, male, 56, Massachusetts
Tonsillectomy/Pediatric
My daughter, three years old at the time of the surgery, had had an adnoidectomy and ear tubes placed when she was eighteen months old. However, she continued to have multiple upper respiratory infections. She had large tonsils which were causing her to have severe sleep apnea and she was easily fatigued during the day. Our doctor recommended removing her tonsils. Read More
Karen, parent, female, 3, Massachusetts
Tonsillectomy/Pediatric
My 10-year old son was always sick. He was constantly congested, had sore throats and was generally miserable. His quality of life was very diminished due to constantly being tired and rundown. The doctor recommended having his tonsils and adenoids removed. Read More
Adrienne, parent, female, 52, Massachusetts
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