Before the Procedure:

Your child' s doctor may ask your child to have:

• Blood tests (complete blood count, electrolytes, clotting factors)
• A physical exam and medical history

Always tell your child' s doctor or nurse:

• What drugs your child is taking
• Include any drugs, herbs, or vitamins you bought without a prescription

During the days before the surgery:

• Ten days before the surgery, your child may be asked to stop taking aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn), warfarin (Coumadin), and other drugs like these.
• Ask your child' s doctor which drugs your child should still take on the day of the surgery.

On the day of the surgery:

• Your child will usually be asked not to drink or eat anything for several hours before the surgery.
• Give your child any drugs your doctor told you to give your child with a small sip of water.
• Your child' s doctor or nurse will tell you when to arrive at the hospital.

After the Procedure:

A tonsillectomy is usually done in a hospital or surgery center. Your child will go home the same day as the surgery. Children rarely need to stay overnight in the hospital for observation.

Complete recovery takes about 1 to 2 weeks. During the first week, your child should avoid people who are sick. It will be easier for your child to become infected during this time.