• If tonsils/adenoids are removed because of repeated sore throats, it can help your child feel better and improve their quality of life.
• If the surgery is done to treat sleep apnea, most children do well afterward.
• If your child has severe sleep apnea, a syndrome or is overweight, the surgery may not work as well.

Before/During

• Tonsils/adenoids are removed through the mouth using special tools.
• The surgery usually takes about 30 to 45 minutes.
• Many kids can go home the same day.
• If your child has sleep apnea, is under 3 years old or if you live more than 45 minutes away, the doctor may ask you to stay overnight after surgery.

After

• Recovery takes one to two weeks
• Common symptoms during healing include:
• Sore throat
• Pain
• Low-grade fever
• Scabbing in the throat
• Avoid:
• Sharp, salty or spicy foods
• Sports or active play for two weeks
• Use acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) to:
• Help manage pain
• Prevent dehydration by keeping your child more comfortable drinking fluids

Can I Prevent Tonsil/Adenoid Removal?

If your child has sleep apnea or snores a lot, removing the tonsils is often the best choice. Sleep apnea can stress the body and may lead to problems like diabetes or high blood pressure. It can also impact school performance and daytime behavior.

If your child is overweight, this may be part of the reason for snoring or sleep apnea. Talk to your doctor about safe ways to help your child lose weight.

Tonsil removal for repeated infections is not always required. But it can help your child feel better, miss fewer school days or take fewer antibiotics.

Long-Term Outlook After Tonsil/Adenoid Removal

If tonsils are removed for repeated sore throats, it can improve quality of life. For children having surgery for sleep apnea, most children do well after the surgery. However, if snoring and obesity are present, the surgery may not work as well. After surgery, your doctor may want to do a sleep study to check how your child is doing.