Once your doctor has diagnosed the problem and recommended tonsil and/or adenoid surgery, a preoperative evaluation is necessary. The purpose of this evaluation is to help us learn more about you and your special needs.

We will also provide you with detailed information regarding the procedure, ensure that the necessary paperwork is completed, and answer any questions or concerns you might have.

Before the procedure, you will be visiting many areas within the hospital. You may want to tour our virtual hospital first, to get a better idea about what might be involved.

Before admission, take the time to write down a list of any medicines you are currently taking. Be sure to list the exact name, dosage and number of times a day you take each medicine. Tell us if you have ever had a reaction to a medicine, local anesthetic, tape, or skin cleanser.

Ask your doctor if he or she wants you to bring any of your own medicines from home. Your nurse may need to store those medications in a safe place. Remember, never take any medication during your hospital stay without first checking with the staff.

Don't eat or drink anything after midnight, the night before your surgery.

If you're taking a medicine that has a morning dose - you should ask your doctor if he or she wants you to stop the medication the night before, or take the medicine with a small sip or water at an earlier time.

Call your doctor if you develop an acute illness or have an asthma attack within three days of your scheduled surgery.

If you are exposed to measles, mumps or chicken pox within 21 days of the procedure, you should also notify your doctor. He or she may want to consider rescheduling the procedure.

Avoid aspirin and anti-inflammatories for one to two weeks prior to any surgical procedure, unless your doctor tells you otherwise.