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Tonsillectomy

• Overview
• Recovery
• Risks

Alternative Names:

Tonsils removal

Expectations after surgery:

In most cases, the surgery clears problems immediately. After surgery, the number of throat infections is usually reduced, but not completely eliminated.

Convalescence:

A tonsillectomy is usually done on an outpatient basis, with the child returning home the same day as the surgery. Rarely, the child is observed overnight in the hospital and returns home the day after the surgery. Complete recovery can take 2 weeks.

Expect some throat and ear pain in the first days following surgery. Ice packs can help relieve pain, and sucking on an ice cube or eating ice cream may provide some comfort. In addition, pain-relief medication may be prescribed. During recovery, it is recommended to eat soft, easy-to-swallow food and to drink a lot of cold fluids.

Using a humidifier at home can also bring some comfort. Your child may experience alternating good and bad days for 2 weeks after surgery. It is a good idea to keep your child away from crowds or ill people for 7 days, since the throat is highly susceptible to infections during this period.

• Review Date: 10/20/2006
• Reviewed By: Alden J. Pearl, M.D., Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Otolaryngology, State University of New York Health Science Center at Brooklyn, Brooklyn, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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