WHY IS TONSILLECTOMY PROCEDURE PERFORMED?
- Recurrent infections
- Chronic infection
- Tonsillar enlargement with obstructive symptoms
- Tonsillar asymmetry
- Tonsillar mass
HOW IS TONSILLECTOMY PROCEDURE PERFORMED?
- In the operating room under general anesthesia
- Usually done as an outpatient procedure, unless complex medical problems exist
- Pre-op labs may be required
- Chest x-ray and EKG are required if the patient is over the age of 50 and heart or lung problems exist
WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT?
- Pain lasting 10-14 days in adults or only a few days in children
- Difficulty swallowing
- Minor bleeding
- Grayish discoloration of the throat
WHAT SHOULD I DO AFTER THE SURGERY?
- Take antibiotics and pain medications given by the doctor
- Slowly advance diet as tolerated
- Drink cool liquids (water, milk, low acid juices, ice cream, Jell-O) during the first day
- Call the doctor if unable to drink liquids
- Go to the emergency room immediately if clots of blood occur
- Return for follow-up in 10 days
