Getting Ready for Tonsillectomy

How is the surgery done?

• The surgery is done under general anesthesia (completely asleep) and takes about 15 to 30 minutes.
• An instrument holds the mouth open and the tongue out of the way to reach the tonsils. The tonsils sit on each side of the back of the tongue.
• Depending on the technique your surgeon uses, most or all of the tonsil tissue is removed, using electrocautery or a Coblator device.

Our tonsillectomy page explains who the surgery helps.

What are the risks?

Every surgery has risks. Your surgeon will go over them with you before surgery, and you can ask about any of them.

• Anesthesia is safe, but it has some risks. The anesthesia team can go over them with you. Tell us if anyone in your family has had a problem with anesthesia.
• Pain, bleeding and infection are risks of any surgery.
• Bleeding from the mouth happens in about 1 to 5 in 100 people. Sometimes it stops on its own, but bleeding that keeps going needs a return to the operating room to stop it. Rarely, bleeding can be severe and life-threatening.
• Pain is expected, not a complication. It can be severe and can make it hard to swallow even liquids, which can lead to dehydration.
• Breathing problems after surgery can happen if the tonsils were large and blocking the airway. This sometimes needs monitoring in the hospital and, rarely, can be life-threatening.
• Minor injury to the lips, teeth, tongue or gums from the instrument that holds the mouth open. Temporary tongue numbness or a change in taste can also happen.
• Infections or sleep problems may not go away. Strep throat and other throat infections can still happen after tonsillectomy.
• Tonsil tissue can grow back in about 1 to 5 in 100 people after an intracapsular (partial) tonsillectomy. Rarely, this brings back sleep problems or infections.

How do I get ready?

• As soon as surgery is scheduled

  • Give us a list of every medicine, vitamin and supplement you (or your child) take. We will tell you which to stop and when.
  • If you smoke or vape, stop now: it helps healing and makes anesthesia safer. Keep children away from smoke and vaping.
  • Plan time off. Most people need about 1 to 2 weeks off school or work, and some need longer; your surgeon will tell you when.
  • Plan your travel. For 2 weeks after surgery, stay within about an hour of our office or an emergency room, and do not fly.
  • Arrange for an adult to drive you home. After general anesthesia, we recommend having an adult stay with you (or you and your child) the first night.

• 1 to 2 weeks before

  • Adults: aspirin is usually stopped 1 to 2 weeks before surgery. If you take aspirin or a blood thinner for your heart, a stent or stroke prevention, do not stop it on your own: your surgeon will check with whoever prescribes it.
  • Children: tell us if your child takes any medicine that thins the blood. Do not stop a prescribed medicine on your own.
  • Ask about herbal remedies and supplements, which can raise the chance of bleeding.
  • Get the supplies in the next section.

• The night before

  • Follow the eating and drinking instructions from our office or the surgery center exactly. Eating or drinking when you should not can mean surgery is postponed for safety.
  • For children: clear liquids are allowed up to 2 hours before surgery, breast milk up to 4 hours before, and formula or cow’s milk up to 6 hours before. All other food stops at midnight. Follow the exact times we or the surgery center give you.
  • Take only the medicines we said to take that morning, with a small sip of water.
  • Get a good night’s sleep.

• The day of surgery

  • Wear comfortable clothes. For children, a favorite blanket or toy can help.
  • Bring your photo ID, insurance card and list of medicines.

What happens after surgery?

• Most people go home the same day. Some people with severe sleep apnea stay overnight to be watched.
• Recovery usually takes 10 to 14 days. Throat pain often gets worse over the first few days before it improves.
• Follow your surgeon’s diet instructions for 2 weeks, and avoid sharp, crunchy foods.
• No strenuous activity or heavy lifting for 2 weeks.
• Your follow-up visit is about 3 to 4 weeks after surgery.

The Tonsillectomy Recovery Guide has everything you need after the procedure, including when to call us.

1. 1Uvula
2. 2Tonsil
3. 3White or yellow healing layer: normal healing, not an infection

White patches are normal. While the throat heals, white or yellow patches cover the places where the tonsils were. They are not an infection and come off on their own.

When should I call before surgery?