Dr Kola Tytler MBBS CertHE MBA MRCGPClinical Lead • iatroX
A tonsillectomy in a 3-year-old child who had a temperature of 38°C for three hours four days prior to surgery does not necessarily need to be postponed if the child is currently well and shows no signs of active infection or systemic illness.
Preoperative assessment should focus on the child's current clinical status, including absence of fever, normal vital signs, and no signs of respiratory or systemic compromise. If the child is afebrile and clinically well at the time of surgery, proceeding with tonsillectomy is generally acceptable.
However, if the child still shows signs of infection, systemic upset, or any amber or red features indicating serious illness, surgery should be postponed until full recovery to reduce perioperative risks.