Drinking fluids before tonsillectomy? Why not?

moyra · Newbie Joined: 29 Jun 2006 Posts: 5

Hello! My son is scheduled a tonsillectomy next week. I hope this surgery will make him healthier than he is now. He used to have many tonsils infections. His tonsils are so enlarged that he has many problems during his sleep. He sleep restless and wake up very often. He became very sensitive child. His doctor explained the procedure to us and said he should not take any fluid before tonsillectomy. Why not?

donelle · Newbie Joined: 02 May 2006 Posts: 4

Hello! Yes, your son must not take any fluid or food six hours prior to his time of surgery. This includes water and even a chewing gum. This is because of the anesthetic he is going to receive. Anything in the stomach increases the chances of an anesthetic complication. This refers to all surgeries, not only tonsillectomy. He should not take aspirin, or any product containing aspirin, at least ten days before the surgery. Non- steroidal anti-inflammatory medications should not be taken seven days before the surgery.

Drinking fluids before tonsillectomy? Why not?

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