Tonsillectomy—Child
Definition
A tonsillectomy is the removal of the tonsils. Tonsils are nodes found in the back of the throat.
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Reasons for Procedure
Tonsils are part of the immune system. They trap germs that come in through your mouth and nose to prevent infection in the throat or lungs. Sometimes this can cause problems such as:
- Chronic or recurrent bacterial throat infections that do not respond to other treatment
- Peritonsillar abscess—pocket of infection spreading outside the tonsil
Removing the tonsils may decrease the number of throat infections.
Some tonsils can also become enlarged. It may cause obstruct the flow of air. One example is sleep apnea.
Possible Complications
Problems from the procedure are rare, but all procedures have some risk. Your doctor will review potential problems, like:
- Bleeding
- Temporary breathing problems
- Burns (if a hot knife or laser is used)
- Nausea and vomiting
- Infection
- Dehydration
- Injury to teeth, voice box, or soft palate
Factors such as weight or chronic disease may increase your child’s risk of problems. Teens who engage in tobacco, alcohol, and/or drug use may also increase their risk of problems.
What to Expect
Prior to Procedure
Your child’s doctor may do the following before the tonsillectomy:
- Physical exam
- Review your medical history
- Blood and urine tests
- Throat cultures
- Sleep study— polysomnography
Talk to your child’s doctor about all medications your child uses. Your child may need to stop taking some medications prior to the procedure.
Anesthesia
General anesthesia will be used. Your child will be asleep during the procedure.
Description of the Procedure
The procedure is done through the mouth. Once your child is asleep, the doctor will grasp each tonsil with a special tool. The tonsils will then be cut away from the surrounding tissues and removed. The tonsils may be cut out with a scalpel, hot knife, or laser. A hot knife or laser will help seal the incision as the cut is made. An electrical current or clamps and ties will be used to stop bleeding at the site.
How Long Will It Take?
About 20 to 45 minutes
How Much Will It Hurt?
Anesthesia will prevent pain during surgery. Pain and discomfort after the procedure can be managed with medications and soft foods.
Average Hospital Stay
In most cases, your child can go home the same day. Other times, an overnight stay may be necessary to make sure your child is recovering as expected.
Post-procedure Care
At the Hospital
Right after the procedure, your child will be in a recovery room where their blood pressure, pulse, and breathing will be monitored. Recovery may also include pain or anti-nausea medications.
At Home
It may take a couple days before return to normal activities. Throat, ear, or jaw pain may last for up to a week.
Call Your Child's Doctor
Call your child's doctor if any of these occur:
- Redness, swelling, increasing pain, excessive bleeding, or discharge from the site where the tonsils were removed
- Signs of infection, including fever and chills
- Pain, nausea, or vomiting that cannot be controlled with the medications they were given
- Spitting or vomiting blood
- New or unexpected symptoms
Call for emergency medical services right away if your child is bleeding excessively or has difficulty breathing.
If you think your child has an emergency, call for emergency medical services right away.
RESOURCES:
American Pediatric Surgical Association
http://www.eapsa.org
The Society of Thoracic Surgeons
http://www.sts.org
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Caring for Kids—Canadian Paediatric Society
https://www.caringforkids.cps.ca
The College of Family Physicians of Canada
http://www.cfpc.ca
REFERENCES:
Ingram DG, Friedman NR. Toward Adenotonsillectomy in Children: A Review for the General Pediatrician. JAMA Pediatr. 2015 Dec;169(12):1155-61.
Tonsillectomy. Cincinnati Children’s website. Available at: https://www.cincinnatichildrens.org/health/t/tonsillectomy. Accessed January 11, 2021.
Tonsillectomy. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: http://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T114262/Tonsillectomy. Accessed January 11, 2021.
Tonsils and tonsillectomies. Kids Health—Nemours Foundation website. Available at: http://kidshealth.org/en/parents/tonsil.html. Accessed January 11, 2021.
Last reviewed January 2021 by EBSCO Medical Review Board