Freelance Writing Jobs | Today's Articles | sign in

Tonsils, Adenoids, and Ear Surgery

Surgical Details and Recovery for Children

Oct 12, 2008 Abby Deliz

Thousands of children every year have their tonsils or adenoids removed, or tubes placed in their ears for various reasons.

Surgery can be a frightening prospect for both parents and children. It helps to be educated about the surgical process, risks, and recovery prior to going to the hospital.

Surgical Details: Tonsillectomy, Adenoidectomy, and Tympanostomy

These surgeries might be performed simultaneously or separately. Prior to any surgery, a child will not be able to eat or drink for at least six hours. In all cases, the child will be placed under general anesthesia, usually by placing an anesthetic mask over his nose and mouth. Once asleep, the child may or may not have an IV placed to provide fluids and medication, although this usually is only done during an adenoidectomy or tonsillectomy. Traditionally, each surgery only lasts approximately fifteen minutes.

Tonsillectomy: Removal of the tonsils located at the back of the throat, behind and above the tongue. Enlarged tonsils may make it hard to breathe or become frequently infected. A tonsillectomy may be recommended if a child is often ill or has difficulty sleeping. During a tonsillectomy, the surgeon will hold the mouth open to expose the tonsils, and then cut or burn the tonsils away. Bleeding is carefully controlled, and the cut heals without stitches.

Adenoidectomy: Removal of the adenoids located behind the nose and upper throat. Enlarged adenoids may obstruct breathing or cause frequent ear infections. An adenoidectomy may also be recommended for children who have sleeping difficulties or sleep apnea. During an adenoidectomy, the surgeon will use a special instrument to remove the adenoids from the back of the throat via the mouth, and bleeding will be stopped with pressure from a gauze pack.

Tympanostomy: Placing of a small tube into the eardrums to drain fluid build-up and balance ear pressure. This may be necessary if excess fluid is causing hearing loss or frequent ear infections. During ear tube surgery, the surgeon will use an operating microscope to locate the eardrum. He will place a small incision in the eardrum, suction fluid from the ear, and insert a tube. The surgeon then places drops into the ear and covers the ears with cotton plugs.

Surgical Risks

According to the New York Times, any of these surgeries carries the risk of excessive bleeding, infection, or a negative reaction to medications. Post-surgical bleeding must also be closely monitored. During ear tube surgery, risk of perforating the ear drum, chronic ear drainage, hearing loss or scarring of the ear drum are all possible.

Recovering from Surgery

After both a tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy, a child may have frequent throat pain and discomfort. During recovery after a tonsillectomy, white patches may develop on the throat that signify the healing process. It can be helpful to place cold packs on the child’s neck, and to provide plenty of cold (non-citrus) drinks to keep him hydrated. Also, popsicles, ice cream, pudding, pasta, and mashed foods will be his fare for at least three to four days. He will need plenty of rest and his activities will need to be limited. It takes two weeks for a complete recovery.

After ear tube surgery, a child is generally feeling back to normal by the next day. Water should be kept out of his ears and cotton swabs should not be used in the ear canal.

After any surgery, contact the hospital immediately if the child has a fever over 101 F, severe pain, or bright red bleeding.

Any surgery can be anxiety provoking for parents and children alike. Allowing a child to talk about his fears and reading him stories about children undergoing operations can all ease his troubled mind. Be open and honest about the surgical process so that the child understands to the best of his ability what is going to happen.

The copyright of the article Tonsils, Adenoids, and Ear Surgery in General Medicine is owned by Abby Deliz. Permission to republish Tonsils, Adenoids, and Ear Surgery in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Tonsils

What do you think about this article?

Comments

Aug 31, 2009 11:33 AM

Guest :

2 of 3 of my boys had this surgery in the summer of 2009. Although I am sure each kid heals differently, this is by no means a "walk in the park" for either of my sons. It took each of them a minimum of 7-10 to get back to being themselves. The worst part of it was the "screams" in the wee hours of the morning from both boys, both are ordinarily great sleepers. I can only assume this came about when the throat dried up while they slept...no one ever warns you about stuff like that. Good Luck.

1 Comment: