Drugs that should be avoided before surgery
About 14 days before the operation, the child shouldn’t take any painkillers or antipyretic (fever reducing) drugs that contain acetylsalicyclic acid (such as Magnecyl, Bamyl, Treo) or Ibuprofen (such as Ipren) and Trombyl. These drugs can give an increased risk for bleeding during the operation. If some form of pain relief is required, use paracetamol instead (such as Alvedon, Panodil, Curadon) during this period.
Fasting instruction before surgery is important to follow
The child is allowed to eat up until six hours before surgery. After that, the child is allowed to drink clear liquids up until 2 hours before surgery, and nothing after that. Clear liquids are defined as water, clear cordials/fruit juices without pulp. The liquid must not contain fat and not normal milk, powder milk, gruel or formula.
Shower and wash the child’s hair the evening before the surgery or on the morning of the operation. Don’t use any make-up, perfume or nail polish on the day of the surgery. On the day of the surgery remove all items from the mouth and all jewelry, removable brace, piercings, earrings, rings, bracelets, necklaces, wrist-watch and contact lenses.
What do I do if my child gets tonsillitis?
If your child becomes sick, for example has a sore throat or a cold, we kindly ask you to call the telephone number given in the notification you received about the operation date. Your child’s operation may need to be postponed.
Good to remember
Use the informative material and the stories about Elias and Moa on www.tonsilloperation.se to help your child understand why the operation needs to be done.
You can also visit the Anaesthesia Web website at www.narkoswebben.se where you can get more information and will be able to prepare yourself as well as your child of what to expect at the hospital, during anaesthesia and surgery.
Explain that he/she will feel a lot better after having had the tonsils and possible even the adenoids behind the nose operated on.
Help your child by walking him/her through all the steps that will happen before, during and after the surgery. The more your child knows, the less worried he/she will be.
Explain that you’ll be with your child at the hospital during the visit. Let the child know that you’ll be there when he/she falls asleep and wakes up.
He/she will sleep during the entire operation and wake up when it’s over. Assure your child that he/she will never be alone. Everyone will explain what they are going to do, to make it feel as comfortable as possible. Tell your child to let the staff know if he/she is worried about something. Then the staff can explain the procedure and help your child to be less anxious.