Is it safe for a 3- to 4-year-old to get her tonsils out?

Answer 1

A tonsillectomy is a very simple procedure. Although I understand your anxiety, it is perfectly safe. What concerns me is that your pediatrician has not addressed your worries. The important thing is to alleviate your childs' concerns, by being very positive and "fearless" yourself. Many hospitals let tiny patients visit in advance,to help relieve any anxiety. Everything will be fine. And she/he will remember what a great time they had being the center of attention. And of course, the traditional ice cream/jello menu...:) Could you also tell me if she (my 3 yr. old) will be catheterized before or surgery or after she is under??? I have tried talking to her but she has no idea what I am talking about. So she still doesn't know she is having surgery. I had my tonsils removed exactly at age 3, way back in the sixties. Even though my brother had them taken out at the same time and spent the recovery time with me in the hospital, I was terrified. It is probably my first true memory of childhood. When a final checkup after surgery was done, I managed to escape and remember running through the hospital hallways in my pyjama, trying to reach any door handle to just get out of this. The whole time I felt that doctors were a threat and that my Mom was letting me down. My parents could have explained better what hospitals and doctors are all about, but I suspect a 3-year-old will always be frightened. Still - it was the best choice to reverse a chronic tonsillitis that had spread to my heart. I have been very healthy ever since. All the best.