Tonsillectomy (cont.)
What happens before surgery?
In most situations the surgery is performed as an outpatient
at either
a hospital or a surgery center. In both facilities, quality
care is
provided without the expense and inconvenience of an overnight
stay. An
anesthesiologist will monitor the patient throughout the
procedure. Usually, the anesthesiologist (or surgery staff) will call the night
before
surgery to review the medical history. If they are unable to
reach the patient the
night before surgery, they will talk with the patient the morning of the
surgery. If
the doctor
has ordered preoperative laboratory studies, the patient should arrange
to have
these done several days in advance. The patient should arrange for someone to take
them to the surgical facility, back home, and to spend the first night after
surgery with
the patient.
The patient should not take aspirin, or any product
containing
aspirin, within 10 days of the date of the surgery.
Nonsteroidal
antiinflammatory medications (such as
ibuprofen, Advil, and
others)
should not be taken within 7 days of the date of surgery. Many
over-the-counter products contain aspirin or ibuprofen-related
drugs so it
is important to check all medications carefully. If there is
any question
please call the office or consult a pharmacist.
Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
is an acceptable pain reliever. Usually the doctor will give
the patient several prescriptions at the preoperative visit. It is best to
have these filled prior to the date of surgery so they are available when
you return home.
If it is a child who is having the surgery, it is advised
that you be
honest and up front with them as you explain their upcoming
surgery.
Encourage the child to think of this as something the doctor
will do to
make them healthier. Let them know that they will be safe and
that you
will be close by. A calming and reassuring attitude will
greatly ease the
child's anxiety. Let them know that if they have pain it will
only be for
a short time period, and that they can take medicines which
will greatly
reduce it. You may want to consider a visit to the surgical
facility or
hospital several days in advance to that the child can become
familiar with the
setting. Contact the surgical facility or hospital to arrange
for a tour.
The patient must not eat or drink anything 6 hours
prior to the
time of surgery. This includes even water, candy, or chewing
gum. Anything
in the stomach increases the chances of an anesthetic
complication.
If the patient is ill or has a fever the day before
surgery,
call the surgeon's office. If the patient wakes up sick the day
of surgery,
still proceed to the surgical facility as planned. The doctor
will decide
if it's safe to proceed with surgery. However, if your child has
chickenpox, do not bring your child to the office or to the
surgical
facility.
Next: What takes place the day of surgery? »
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