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Tonsil, Adenoid, and Ear Tube Surgery: Preparing for Surgery

Here are some things that you will need to do before your child’s surgery.

Preparing for surgery

  • Bring your child for any pre-surgery tests. These may include blood and urine tests. (Not all children need testing.)

  • Tell your child what will happen before, during, and after surgery. Honesty is better than leaving your child with unanswered questions and fear.

  • Ask your provider if the hospital has a program that helps parents and children understand the hospital layout, where the surgery and recovery will happen, and where parents can wait.

  • Make arrangements to stay with your child during the entire hospital visit, if it's possible.

  • Before you sign the surgery consent form, make sure all your questions have been answered.

  • Follow any directions your child is given for taking medicines or for not eating or drinking before surgery.

  • Give the surgeon a list of any medicines your child takes. Include prescription and over-the-counter medicines and herbal supplements.

  • Tell the surgeon about any allergies your child has, such as to medicines, certain foods, or substances like latex.

  • Help your child choose a toy or blanket to bring to the hospital.

  • Bathe your child and remove any jewelry and hair accessories. This includes hair clips and earrings.

  • Call the surgeon if your child has a fever or acts sick before surgery. Surgery may need to be delayed.

  • Ask the surgeon about other special directions.

Healthcare provider talking to woman and boy.

Online Medical Reviewer: Daphne Pierce-Smith RN MSN
Online Medical Reviewer: Marianne Fraser MSN RN
Online Medical Reviewer: Sravani Chintapalli
Date Last Reviewed: 10/1/2024
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