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By Mayo Clinic staffTonsillectomy is usually done as an outpatient procedure. That means unless serious complications arise, you or your child will be able to go home the day of the surgery.
During the surgery
Because a tonsillectomy is performed under general anesthesia, you or your child won't be aware of the procedure or experience pain during the surgery.
The surgeon may cut out the tonsils using a blade (scalpel) or a specialized surgical tool that uses heat or high-energy sound waves to remove or destroy tissues and stop bleeding.
During recovery
Nearly everyone experiences pain following a tonsillectomy. Pain is most often in the throat, but it may also be located in the ears, jaw or neck.
Steps that you can take to reduce pain, promote recovery and prevent complications include the following:
- Medications. Take pain medications as directed by your surgeon or the hospital staff. If the surgeon or your primary doctor prescribes antibiotics as a part of the post-surgical care, take all of the pills as directed.
- Fluids. It's important to get plenty of fluids after surgery. Water and ice pops are good choices. Avoid milk for the first 24 hours after surgery.
- Food. Bland foods that are easy to swallow, such as applesauce or broth, are the best choices immediately after surgery. After 24 hours, foods such as ice cream and pudding can be added to the diet. Foods that are easy to chew and swallow should be added to the diet as soon as possible. Avoid spicy, hard or crunchy foods.
- Rest. Bed rest is important for several days after surgery, and mild activities should be added gradually. You or your child should be able to return to work or school after resuming a normal diet, sleeping normally through the night and not needing pain medication. Talk to your doctor about any activities that should be avoided.
When to see the doctor or get emergency care
Watch for the following complications that require prompt medical care:
- Bleeding. Any bleeding requires a trip to the emergency room for a prompt evaluation and treatment. Surgery to stop bleeding may be necessary.
- Fever. Call your doctor if you or your child has a fever of 102 F (38.9 C) or higher.
- Dehydration. Call your doctor if you observe signs of dehydration, such as reduced urination, thirst, weakness, headache, dizziness or lightheadedness. Common signs of dehydration in children include urinating fewer than two or three times a day or crying with no tears.
- Breathing problems. Snoring or noisy breathing is common during the first week or so of recovery. However, if you or your child is having difficulty breathing, get emergency care.
- Fact sheet: Tonsils and adenoids. American Academy of Otolaryngology — Head and Neck Surgery. http://www.entnet.org/HealthInformation/tonsilsAdenoids.cfm. Accessed March 21, 2010.
- Wetmore R. Tonsils and adenoids. In: Kliegman R, et al., eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 18th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/193178650-2/0/1608/0.html. Accessed April 5, 2010.
- Tonsillopharyngitis. The Merck Manuals: The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals. http://www.merck.com/mmpe/sec08/ch090/ch090i.html. Accessed March 21, 2010.
- Tonsillar cellulitis and abscess. The Merck Manuals: The Merck Manual of Healthcare Professionals. http://www.merck.com/mmhe/sec19/ch222/ch222b.html. Accessed April 5, 2010.
- Fact sheet: Tonsils and adenoids post-op. American Academy of Otolaryngology — Head and Neck Surgery. http://www.entnet.org/HealthInformation/tonsilsAdenoidsPostop.cfm. Accessed March 21, 2010.
- How safe is anesthesia? What are the risks? American Society of Anesthesiologists. http://www.asahq.org/patientEducation/resource.htm. Accessed May 12, 2010.
- Fact sheet: Tonsillectomy procedures. American Academy of Otolaryngology — Head and Neck Surgery. http://www.entnet.org/HealthInformation/tonsillectomyProcedures.cfm. Accessed March 21, 2010.
- Orvidas LJ (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. May 19, 2010.
- Hoecker JL (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. May 13, 2010.
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