HOW IS A TONSILLECTOMY DONE?
Removal of tonsils is generally done under general anesthesia. An anesthesiologist will monitor your child during the procedure. The tonsil is surrounded by a capsule and is dissected from adjacent throat tissue with special instruments. The procedure takes approximately 20-30 minutes to perform and for most children this can be done on an outpatient basis. Often we use a device called a Coblator to remove the tonsil. This seems to result in a bit less postoperative pain for most children. Surgery is often a frightening experience for both parent and child. Talking about the procedure and even taking a tour of the operating room or hospital will do much to relieve anxieties of both child and parents. RISKS OF TONSILLECTOMY Any anesthetic carries a small risk. However, the major risk after tonsillectomy is bleeding. This may occur right after or, more commonly, up to 7-14 days after the operation was performed. This occurs if the scab in the operative area falls off prematurely. Bleedin
