Before operation, the doctor should explain to the patient about the reason of the operation, the hospital routine, and also the expected postoperative course. If patient is a child, the doctor will give information to his parents. The child also should always be told what is going to happen. The doctor should obtain information from a careful history regarding bleeding tendencies and the result of routine test for bleeding and clotting times are not reliable indication of postoperative bleeding. We should postpone the operation if there is any suggestion of a beginning upper respiratory tract infection.

Preoperative Medication

We can use local anesthetic for an adult patient. Preoperative medication should consist of a barbiturate (Seconal or Nembutal, 3 gr) , a narcotik (morphine sulfate, 1/4 or 1/6 gr., or meperidine [Demerol], 75 mg.) and atropine, 1/150gr. If we give general anesthesia in an adult, the preoperative medication is the same as when any general anesthetic is given.

Anesthesia is preceded by atropine for children that dose depends on the age and weight of the child. No medication preoperatively for children under 2 years of age. It is desirable to have a child react quickly after the operation so that the cough and gag reflexes will prevent aspiration of secretion from the throat. Barbiturat are not recommended prior to tonsilectomy or adenoidectomy in children. (doc r3nd5an)