Table of contents:
- Definition
- What is a tonsillectomy?
- When will my child need to have a tonsillectomy?
- Precautions & warnings
- What should I know before my child has a tonsillectomy?
- Process
- What should I do before my child has a tonsillectomy?
- How is the tonsillectomy process in children?
- What should I do after my child has had a tonsillectomy?
- Complications
- What complications can occur?
Definition
What is a tonsillectomy?
Tonsillectomy is the surgical removal of the tonsils / tonsils, part of a group of lymphoid tissue (such as glands in the neck) that acts to fight infection with inhaled or swallowed germs. Tonsillitis occurs when the tonsils are infected. This causes pain, fever and difficulty swallowing and can make the child feel unwell.
When will my child need to have a tonsillectomy?
This surgery may be needed by the child to improve the respiratory tract and asthma, and reduce throat, sinus, and ear infections. Adenoids can be removed at the same time if they are found to be swollen or infected.
Precautions & warnings
What should I know before my child has a tonsillectomy?
Surgery is the only reliable solution to prevent tonsillitis from coming back. In children, frequent cycles of infection can be broken with antibiotic treatment. In fact, tonsillitis can heal on its own after a few years.
Process
What should I do before my child has a tonsillectomy?
In the preparation stage for surgery, make sure you tell the doctor about the child's health condition, medications that are being consumed, and all kinds of allergies that the child has. The anesthetist will explain the anesthesia procedure and give further instructions. Follow all doctor's instructions including prohibition of eating and drinking before surgery. In general, children are required to fast for six hours before the surgery is carried out. However, the child may be allowed to consume drinks such as coffee a few hours before surgery.
How is the tonsillectomy process in children?
This operation is performed under general anesthesia and usually takes about 30 minutes. The surgeon will perform a tonsillectomy through the child's mouth. They will either slice the tonsils from the underlying muscle layer, use heat to remove the tonsils and sterilize the area, or use radio frequency energy to remove the tonsils. The surgeon will also stop excess bleeding.
What should I do after my child has had a tonsillectomy?
After undergoing surgery, the child is allowed to go home the next day. Postoperative pain will continue for up to two weeks and tends to be worse in the morning. Usually, children need two weeks of recovery time before returning to school and meeting the crowd. This can prevent throat infections in the recovery period.
Complications
What complications can occur?
Your child may develop a fever or infection after surgery, swelling in the mouth, throat, or lungs, which makes it difficult to breathe. In addition, the child may experience stomach pain or vomiting after surgery, pain in the throat, ears, or jaw. Due to sore throat, the child has difficulty swallowing and drinking. Excessive bleeding may also occur during or after surgery. Factors that increase the risk of bleeding are age and exposure to smoke. In severe cases, the child can contract a blood infection so that the child's life is threatened. Although it makes it difficult for your child to breathe, anesthesia has a very small risk of causing heart problems and is life threatening. Your child's tonsils can grow back after surgery.
Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
