I have a question about tonsilectomies in adults. My mother is having her tonsils removed and her insurance will not cover an overnight stay in the hospital. Is there a significant risk involved in her coming home the same day? She lives alone and we're not really sure how to handle this. I've "heard" that this surgery in adults is very painful.
Any information you could provide would be appreciated!!
Reply: -----------------------
Tonsil surgery is routinely performed as an outpatient in both children and adults today. The safety of outpatient tonsillectomy has been fairly conclusively determined by numerous recent scientific studies. There is however a protocol that is generally used whereby patients are observed for approx. 6 hours or more following surgery with IV fluid administration. Hospitalization is considered if there is inadequate fluid intake by mouth or if persistent nausea with vomiting is present at or beyond this time frame.
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Steve Dankle, MD
Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
Milwaukee, Wis
NOTICE: OFCN is not engaged in the rendering of professional medical services. The information contained on this system or any other OFCN system should not supplant individual professional consultation. It is offered exclusively as a community education service. Advice on individual problems must be obtained directly from a professional.
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