Test Your Knowledge

A few days before the procedure, patients may be asked to provide a blood or urine sample. Patients are urged to follow their physician’s advice in preparing for the tonsillectomy. In most cases, patients are asked not to eat or drink anything the evening before the surgery. They also may be advised to avoid certain medications for a period of time prior to the surgery. Such medications may include:

• Anti-inflammatory medications
• Aspirin products
• Herbal products such as ginkgo biloba or St. John's wort

Patients who have a tonsillectomy may be placed under general anesthesia or local anesthesia, depending on the type of procedure performed. The procedure will unfold differently depending on the technique used to remove the tonsils. A tonsillectomy typically takes less than one hour.