Do you have to wear a hospital gown for a tonsillectomy?

Tonsillectomies are mostly performed as a same-day surgery. 2 This means that you will go home the same day that you have your tonsils removed. You should wear loose comfortable clothing to the surgical center.

What do you wear during tonsillectomy?

Wear comfortable clothes that are easy to change. Do not wear jewelry, rings or earrings of any kind. A child may bring a comforting toy or blanket. For adults, someone will need to drive you home after the operation, so arrange in advance for that person to come with you or to be waiting at the hospital for you.

How long are you in hospital for tonsillectomy?

The tonsillectomy surgery is a short procedure. Patients are usually in surgery for less than an hour and able to go home the same day. After surgery, patients will typically need 10 – 14 days to recover. During this time, the goal is to focus on pain management and rest.

Do they intubate you when you get your tonsils out?

During surgery the patient will be kept completely asleep by breathing gas given through this tube under the supervision of an anesthesiologist. The surgery takes about 30 minutes; it is performed through the open mouth. The doctor will talk to you after the surgery is done.

Is a tonsillectomy covered?

Most insurers cover a tonsillectomy as long as it's medically necessary, which may require proof of recurring tonsillitis, strep throat, or swollen tonsils that affect your breathing. Medicare and Medicaid will usually cover a portion of a medically necessary tonsillectomy, too.

When Should You Remove Your Tonsils? -- The Doctors

How long does a tonsillectomy take?

The surgery takes about 30 minutes to 1 hour, but the recovery from anesthesia can take a few hours. Your child might be prescribed medications after the surgery. Your child might need a blood test before the surgery to see if he or she has any increased risk for bleeding.

How do you prepare for a tonsillectomy?

Don't eat anything after midnight before the scheduled surgery. Your surgeon should provide you with instructions about eating food and drinking liquids prior to reporting to the hospital. Make arrangements for a ride home. Plan for 10 days to two weeks or more of recovery time.

Do they put a catheter in during tonsillectomy?

Patients who are unable to pass their urine will require a tube (catheter) to be passed into the bladder for a few days.

Do they dislocate your jaw for a tonsillectomy?

Very occasionally the jaw can be dislocated during surgery, but usually this is corrected whilst the patient is still asleep. People who have their tonsils removed do not become more prone to other infections; people live a normal life after this operation.

Are there stitches in tonsillectomy?

The surgeon will place a small tool into your child's mouth to hold it open. The surgeon then cuts, burns, or shaves away the tonsils. The wounds heal naturally without stitches.

Is tonsillectomy most painful surgery?

Recently, a prospective cohort study using data of 70,764 patients taking part in the Quality Improvement in Postoperative Pain Treatment (QUIPS) registry has shown that tonsillectomy, although classified as a so called minor procedure, was one of the most painful surgical procedures [5].

How painful is a tonsillectomy?

Tonsillectomy is a surgery that causes a mild or moderate pain in most cases, although few patients complain of severe pain. We found that during first day after surgery, 85.5% of the patients had mild or moderate pain, and only 14.5% a severe pain.

Is a tonsillectomy a major surgery?

Most of the time, tonsillectomy (surgical removal of the tonsils) is performed in children, and it is a routine and minor procedure.

Can I shower before tonsillectomy?

If your doctor told you to take your medicines on the day of surgery, take them with only a sip of water. Take a bath or shower before you come in for your surgery. Do not apply lotions, perfumes, deodorants, or nail polish.

Can I drive myself home after tonsillectomy?

surgery. You will not be allowed to drive yourself home.

Does it hurt to talk after tonsillectomy?

The surgery is quite painful, and it will probably hurt to eat and to talk. You will be prescribed pain medications to help this, but be aware that you will still be uncomfortable despite these medications.

How do you sleep after a tonsillectomy?

Postoperative Instructions for Tonsillectomy and Adenoidectomy. Activity Level: Light activity and adequate rest are recommended for the first few days. Sleeping with the head elevated 30 to 45 degrees or in a recliner for 3-4 days will reduce the swelling in the throat.

How long will my ears hurt after tonsillectomy?

PAIN –Throat pain and/or ear pain is common after tonsillectomy and it can take up to 2 weeks for you to feel better. Ear pain frequently occurs between the 3rd and 7th days and results from special nerve connections. Following tonsillectomy give regular doses of pain medications 4 to 5 times a day for a week.

Can you chew gum after tonsillectomy?

Often, chewing gum speeds comfortable eating by reducing the spasm after surgery and can be started any time after surgery if they are old enough to have chewing gum. For the first several days (occasionally up to 10 days) following surgery, pain in the throat is to be expected.

Is it OK to cough after tonsillectomy?

Is it normal for my child to have a cough after tonsillectomy or adenoidectomy? Coughs can be common, primarily after the first several hours post-op due to having a breathing tube during surgery.

Do you need an IV for a tonsillectomy?

Most tonsillectomies are performed as outpatient procedures in an ambulatory care facility. The postoperative period can be protracted, which can cause dehydration and readmission to the hospital. Timely intervention with home intravenous (IV) hydration can help prevent this complication.

What is pre op for tonsillectomy?

You should plan on not eating or drinking anything for eight hours prior to your surgery. To be safe, we usually recommend nothing after midnight. You may take sips of water with your medications in the morning. Occasionally, exceptions may be made for small children.

How soon after tonsillectomy can you eat?

Do not worry about nutrition or calories during the first 2 weeks. Solid foods are not as important to take as are liquids but if you feel up to it you can begin a soft diet immediately after surgery. Stay away from foods which are sour, salty, sharp or hot since this may cause pain and discomfort.

What is the fastest way to recover from a tonsillectomy?

Chewing sugarless gum may help speed recovery after surgery. Significant rest is imperative for at least the first 48 hours after a tonsillectomy, and all normal activities should be limited. Activity can then increase slowly and gradually.

How much weight do you lose after tonsillectomy?

Adult tonsillectomy is performed for a variety of indications. Anecdotally, patients report a 10- to 15-pound weight loss in the postoperative period; however, no supporting research has been documented. The pediatric population has a well-documented weight gain postoperatively.