Tonsillectomy and Adenoidectomy
Surgical Instructions
Medical Author: John Mersch, MD, FAAP
Medical Editor: William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR
Tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy introduction
Your doctor has recommended a tonsillectomy and/or
adenoidectomy for you, a loved one,
or your child. The following information is provided to help
individuals prepare
for surgery, and to help those involved understand
more
clearly the associated benefits, risks, and complications. Patients or
caregivers
are
encouraged to ask the doctor any questions they feel
necessary to
help better understand the above procedure.
The tonsils and adenoids are masses of immune cells commonly found in
lymph glands (lymphoid tissue). These tissues are located
in the
mouth and behind the nasal passages, respectively. Infected or
enlarged
tonsils may cause chronic or recurrent sore throat, bad breath,
dental
malocclusion, abscess, upper airway obstruction causing
difficulty with
swallowing, snoring, or sleep apnea. Infected adenoids may
become
enlarged, obstruct breathing, cause ear infections or other
problems.
Tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy are surgical procedures
performed to
remove the tonsils and adenoids.
These instructions are designed to help you, a loved one, or your child
recover from
surgery as easily as possible. Taking care of yourself the individual
having surgery can
prevent complications. The doctor will be happy to answer any
questions
that you or the person having surgery has regarding this material. If you
or your loved one, or child is having
ear tube
surgery (myringotomies and tympanostomy tubes placed)
in conjunction with his/her tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy, please read
information on these procedures as well.
Next: What are the risks and complications of tonsillectomy and
adenoidectomy? »
- Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) - Describes Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs), which are medications used primarily to treat inflammation, mild to moderate pain, and fever.
- Ear Tubes - Learn about ear tubes (myringotomy), a procedure that allows ventilation in the middle ear. Pre-surgery, during surgery, post surgery, and follow-up information is included.
- Dehydration - Read about dehydration (definition: excessive water loss) in children, treatment, symptoms (thirst, dry mouth, dark urine) and causes (vomiting, diarrhea).
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