Tonsil, Adenoid, and Ear Tube Surgery: Anesthesia

Anesthesia is medicine that lets your child sleep during surgery. It's given by a trained specialist. This person is called an anesthesiologist or nurse anesthetist. They will talk with you before your child's surgery. They will closely watch your child during the procedure.

How anesthesia works

When it's time for surgery, your child will be given medicine to breathe in through a mask. This will put your child to sleep. After your child falls asleep, an IV (intravenous) line may be put in their arm or hand. The IV line is a thin tube that gives medicines and fluids during surgery. IV lines are rarely used for ear tube surgery.

When your child goes to the operating room

First, your child will be taken to the room where the surgery will be done. In this room, your child will see big machines and lights. There will be some loud beeps. The health care providers will be there with your child.

The provider trained in giving anesthesia will put a mask over your child’s mouth and nose. Your child will breathe in (inhale) a special gas or vapor that helps them fall asleep.

When the surgery is done, the provider will stop the anesthesia. Your child will wake up and be taken to a recovery area.

A different choice for ear tube surgery

In some cases, ear tube surgery can be done in a health care provider's office using local anesthesia. This means that your child is awake for the procedure. A medicine is placed in the ear to prevent any pain. Talk with the provider about which anesthesia choice is best for your child.