How to Prepare for a Child's Tonsillectomy

If your child often experiences sore throats, throat infections, recurrent bouts of tonsillitis, or swollen tonsils that make it hard for her to breathe, the pediatrician may recommend a tonsillectomy. This is surgical removal of the tonsils from the throat. The idea of having an operation is often terrifying for a child, so it's up to you to prepare her and ease her fears.

Instructions

• 1

  Explain to your child that she will be "asleep" for the procedure, which will last about 20 minutes, and because of the anesthesia, she won't remember the operation at all.

• 2

  Ease your child's fear about her skin being cut by letting her know that the doctor will remove the tonsils through her open mouth.

• 3

  Prepare your child by informing her that she will wake from the surgery in a recovery room, and that she will more than likely get to go home from the hospital that same day.

• 4

  Let you child know that after the tonsillectomy, she will feel pain in her throat muscles for a week or more, and that she may have difficulty eating and drinking. However, she can enjoy frozen treats such as ice pops and ice cream, which will make her throat and her tummy feel better.

• 5

  Choose simple terms to explain the tonsillectomy to your young child, and provide details and additional information to older children.

• 6

  Make sure your child understands that the surgery is not a punishment, and that after she heals from the tonsillectomy, her tonsils won't hurt her anymore.

• 7

  Pack a new toy or stuffed animal to give to your young child as she rests in the recovery room.

• 8

  Play-act the surgery on a stuffed animal to prepare her, or read stories about other children's tonsillectomies so your child knows what to expect.