How do I care for my child after a tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy?
We recommend the following:
- increased fluid intake
- pain medication, as prescribed
- no heavy or rough play for a duration of time recommended by the surgeon
What are the risks of having a tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy?
Any type of surgery poses a risk to a child. About 5 percent of children begin bleeding from the surgery site about five to eight days after the surgery and may require additional blood and/or surgery. Some children may have a change in the sound of their speech due to the surgery. The following are some of the other complications that may occur:
- bleeding (may happen during surgery, immediately after surgery, or at home)
- dehydration (due to decreased fluid intake; if severe, fluids through an intravenous, or IV, catheter in the hospital may be necessary)
- fever
- difficulty breathing (swelling of the area around the surgery; may be life threatening if not treated immediately)