Tonsillectomy

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 6, 2025.

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What do I need to know about a tonsillectomy?

A tonsillectomy is surgery to remove your tonsils. You may need this surgery if you have obstructive sleep apnea, get tonsillitis often, or have tonsil cancer or stones.

How do I prepare for a tonsillectomy?

• Your surgeon will talk to you about how to prepare for surgery. You may be told not to eat or drink anything after midnight on the day of your surgery. You may instead be able to have clear liquids until a few hours before surgery. Examples include water, clear juices (such as apple), and coffee or tea without cream or milk. Arrange to have someone drive you home and stay with you after surgery.
• Tell your surgeon about any allergies you have, including to anesthesia or medicines.
• Tell your surgeon about all your current medicines. You may be told to stop taking aspirin 2 weeks before your surgery. Your surgeon will tell you if you need to stop any other medicines for surgery, and when to stop. Your surgeon will tell you which medicines to take or not take on the day of your surgery.

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What will happen during a tonsillectomy?

• You will be given general anesthesia to keep you asleep and free from pain during surgery. You may also be given medicine before your surgery to help prevent nausea and vomiting.
• The surgeon will place tools inside your mouth to keep it open. All or part of your tonsils will be removed.
• Your surgeon will then stop any bleeding from the areas where the tonsils were removed.

What should I expect after a tonsillectomy?

• You will have throat pain that may last up to 2 weeks. Your throat pain will be worse in the morning and may spread to your ears. It may hurt to swallow. You may not feel like eating or drinking.
• You will have white patches in the back of your throat. These are scabs that will fall off after about a week.

What are the risks of a tonsillectomy?

You may bleed more than expected during or after surgery, or get an infection. You may also have swelling in your mouth, throat, or lungs that makes it hard to breathe. You may have nausea and vomiting after surgery. You may have changes in your voice or sense of taste after surgery. Tools used to remove your tonsils may cause injury to your teeth, voice box, or palate. Tools that use heat or a laser to remove your tonsils can cause a burn. Your tonsils could grow back if only part of your tonsils were removed during surgery.

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