Gresham Richter, M.D., FACS, FAAP
A pediatric otolaryngologist (ENT) and surgical director of the Vascular Anomalies Center of Excellence at Arkansas Children’s and chair and professor of otolaryngology-head and neck surgery at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences.
What to Know About Tonsillectomies at Arkansas Children’s Champions Pavilion
Q: Why should parents choose an expert at Arkansas Children’s to perform their child’s tonsillectomy?
A: Children are not just small adults. Our pediatric anesthesiologists, ENT specialists and nursing team provide child-focused care. For outpatient surgeries at Champions Pavilion, parents stay with their child until surgery and wait in a private room throughout the procedure.
Q: What conditions require a tonsillectomy?
A: A tonsillectomy is recommended for children with obstructive sleep apnea, recurrent strep throat (seven infections in one year, five annually for two years or three annually for three years), chronic tonsillitis lasting over three months or certain rare medical conditions.
Q: How long is the recovery from a tonsillectomy, and what can parents expect?
A: Recovery typically takes about two weeks. Because tonsil removal leaves a healing wound in the throat, children should stay home from school during recovery. As the protective scab separates, a small risk of bleeding exists and requires close observation.
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Little Rock, AR 72202
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