Does My Child Need a Tonsillectomy?

Posted on January 21, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

Children can be affected by many ailments as they grow up, including problems with their tonsils.

Tonsils are lumps of tissue on either side of the throat, and are part of the body’s lymphatic system, which helps fight infection. Tonsils are the body’s first line of defense against any bacteria and viruses that enter through the mouth or nose. Since the tonsils defend against bacteria and viruses, they can become infected, resulting in strep throat or chronic tonsillitis, a chronic bacterial infection in the tonsils.

If a child suffers from frequent tonsil infections, it may be recommended that they receive a tonsillectomy.

A tonsillectomy is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of the tonsils. Tonsillectomies are one of the most common surgical procedures performed on children.

There are two types of tonsillectomies:

Traditional tonsillectomy: Both tonsils are completely removed.

Intracapsular tonsillectomy: All of the affected tonsil tissue is removed, except for a small layer to protect the throat muscles underneath.

An intracapsular tonsillectomy has many benefits, including:

Faster recovery

Less pain

No need for as much painfor as much pain medicine

A lower risk of bleeding

Can eat and drink after the procedure

Children can also have a tonsillectomy if they have enlarged tonsils that block their airflow, which can lead to breathing issues, especially while they sleep.

Tonsillectomies can offer many benefits to children who suffer from frequent tonsil infections or sleep apnea. However, it can come with risks as with any surgical procedure. It is important to consider the pros and cons and discuss them with a healthcare provider to determine the best option for your child. Here are some pros and cons your healthcare provider may discuss:

Pros:

- Improved quality of life

- Fewer infections

- Improved breathing

- Less time off from school

Cons:

- Surgical risks

- Post-surgery pain and recovery

- No immunity from future infections

- Potential of a change in voice

It is important to consult with an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist before you consider having your child’s tonsils removed.

An ENT will determine whether they should have a tonsillectomy after they assess their frequency of infections, the size of their tonsils, and how much the child’s overall health and quality of life are impacted by the condition.

Our friendly on-site staff members are happy to provide you with the information you need about the surgical options available to your child at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center. For more information about our Queens, NYC surgical services or to make an appointment, please call (718)206-6713.

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.

Inguinal Hernia Repair- Pediatric Surgery

Posted on October 14, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

Inguinal hernia surgery is one of the most common surgeries performed in infants and children.

An inguinal hernia happens when part of the membrane lining the abdominal cavity or intestine protrudes through a weak spot in the abdomen, often along the inguinal canal. This can form a bulge in the groin or scrotum, which can be painful.

There are two types of inguinal hernias, direct inguinal hernia and indirect inguinal hernia.

A direct inguinal hernia penetrates directly through the wall of the inguinal canal.

An indirect inguinal hernia enters the inguinal canal through the top. This usually occurs because of a birth defect, when the opening of a fetus’s canal doesn’t close all the way during development in the uterus. The inguinal canal extends from a child’s abdomen to their genitals.

Inguinal hernias usually only develop on one side of a child’s groin, developing on the right side more often than on the left side. About 10% of the time, inguinal hernias develop on both sides of the groin.

Inguinal hernias are most common in children six years of age or younger, and are more common in premature infants, with 90% of them affecting baby boys.

A baby boy’s testicle forms above the lower abdominal wall and descends through the inguinal canal into the scrotum. The place where the testicle passes through is more susceptible to a hernia because it is a preexisting opening.

In females, the inguinal canal is narrower and begins under the abdominal wall. It carries the round ligament that supports the uterus, and this tough ligament helps to reinforce the muscle wall. However, if a female has connective tissue disease, they may be more susceptible to hernias where connective tissue attaches the uterus to the inguinal canal. Congenital indirect inguinal hernias may also affect baby girls, but it is rare.

Not all inguinal hernias have symptoms. Sometimes, symptoms come and go. A hernia may slide in and out of the opening, or a child may only feel it during certain activities.

In children, you may see a lump in their groin area that gets bigger when they cry. It may go away when they sleep. An inguinal hernia may not always be noticeable because it may be tucked behind muscle fibers.

Some signs and symptoms of an inguinal hernia include:

A bulge in the area of the pubic bone, which becomes more obvious when upright, especially if you cough or strain
A burning or aching sensation at the bulge
Pain or discomfort in your groin, especially when bending over, coughing, or lifting
A heavy or dragging sensation in the groin
Weakness or pressure in the groin
Occasional, pain and swelling around the testicles when the protruding intestine descends into the scrotum
Crankiness and difficulty feeding in infants

Some inguinal hernias have no apparent cause. Other causes of hernias can include:

Increased pressure within the abdomen
A preexisting weak spot in the abdominal wall
Straining during bowel movements or urination
Strenuous activity
Chronic coughing or sneezing

Some risk factors that contribute to developing an inguinal hernia include:

Being male
Family history
Premature birth and low birth weight
Previous inguinal hernia or hernia repair

A physical exam is usually performed to diagnose an inguinal hernia in a child. A doctor will check for a bulge in the child’s groin or scrotum area while they are straining or crying, and then determine if it goes away when they are relaxed. If the child is old enough, they may ask them to stand and cough or strain because standing and coughing can make a hernia more prominent.

An inguinal hernia in a child is usually treated as soon as possible, as children are more at risk of dangerous complications from them. Complications that can develop from an inguinal hernia include:

Incarcerated hernia- occurs when the contents of the hernia get stuck. When this happens, a child’s healthcare provider can’t push the hernia back into their abdomen
Strangulated hernia- occurs when the hernia gets stuck and cuts of the blood supply to the child’s intestines. The lack of blood flow to a child’s intestines can cause tissue death. This is a serious and painful condition and is a medical emergency

Healthcare providers recommend surgery for most inguinal hernias. The types of surgeries used to repair inguinal hernias include:

Open surgery
Laparoscopic surgery

What Parents Should Expect When Their Child Is Getting an Appendectomy

Posted on September 10, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

When a child experiences abdominal pain, it can be a cause of concern for parents. One of the most common causes of severe stomach pain in children is appendicitis. Appendicitis occurs when the appendix becomes inflamed or infected. If it is left untreated, it can rupture, leading to serious complications.

Signs and symptoms of appendicitis in children include:

Sudden pain in the lower right side of the abdomen
Nausea or vomiting
Fever
Loss of appetite
Swelling or bloating in the abdomen

Symptoms of appendicitis may vary, and younger children may have difficulty articulating their pain.

The best treatment for appendicitis is a surgical procedure called an appendectomy. An appendectomy is often an emergency surgery.

Your child may not have a lot of time to get ready for the appendectomy. The healthcare team will want to know when your child last ate because having food in the stomach can cause problems when your child is under anesthesia. If the surgery is planned ahead of time, ask the healthcare provider when your child should stop eating and drinking beforehand.

After the appendectomy, your child will need to rest as it may take a few weeks for them to feel back to normal.

Some tips to help your child have a smooth recovery after the appendectomy include:

Follow the surgeon’s post-operative care instructions closely
Limit strenuous activities to avoid putting strain on the surgical area
Keep your child hydrated and encourage them to eat a light, nutritious diet to aid in their recovery

It is important to call your healthcare provider if your child:

Has fever higher than 101.5°F (38.6°C) or higher
Has abdominal swelling
Has green or yellow drainage from any incision
Has pain that gets worse as hours or days pass
Has redness or swelling around the incision
Shows signs of sluggishness
Is vomiting
Will not drink
Doesn’t start to eat one or two days after surgery
Hasn’t had a bowel movement for two days after the surgery
Has diarrhea

The pediatric surgeons at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center provide many different surgical services to younger patients. For more information about our Queens, NYC pediatric surgical services or to make an appointment, please call (718) 206-7001.

Common Pediatric Surgeries

Posted on April 30, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

Children can experience several health conditions, some of which may require surgery. These surgical procedures can be minor or major. Pediatric surgery focuses on diagnosing and treating surgical conditions in infants, children, and adolescents. These conditions can include:

Surgery for abnormalities of the groin in childhood and adolescence, such as undescended testes, hernias, and hydroceles
Surgical repair of birth defects
Surgical repair of serious injuries
Surgical removal of tumors
Transplantation surgeries
Minimally invasive endoscopic procedures
All other general surgical procedures for children

The most common pediatric surgical procedures are those related to the ear, nose, and throat, such as tonsillectomies, adenoidectomies, and tympanostomy tube replacement. Other common pediatric surgical procedures include:

Appendectomy
Gallbladder removal
Thyroidectomy
Hernia repair
Trauma surgeries