October 17, 2024, 10:30 a.m.
The otolaryngology team at St. Louis Children’s Hospital sees many kids who are referred for their tonsils — and they perform a lot of tonsillectomies. Maithilee Menezes, MD, a WashU otolaryngologist at St. Louis Children’s Hospital, answers four questions she often hears from parents whose children are candidates for tonsil removal.
- When should I have my child’s tonsils removed? The decision about when to schedule a tonsillectomy is based on many factors. How urgent your child’s condition is depends on how severe their case is. For example, if your child is really impacted by recurring bacterial tonsil infections, such as strep throat, you may feel like it’s better to go ahead and proceed now rather than to wait.
- Are there any other factors we should take into consideration? Absolutely. Remember this is not an easy procedure for you or your child. While the surgery is straightforward, recovery can take several weeks. Plan on missing at least a week of school. It can take even longer for older kids.
- When can my child return to sports and other physical activities? This can take more than two weeks. We recommend kids avoid strenuous activities for at least 10 to 14 days. This can have a significant impact on you and your child’s time.
- What are the risks? As with any surgery, there is a risk of bleeding after a tonsillectomy. Plan the surgery around major events. If your child’s condition is not urgent, you can be flexible regarding scheduling.
