Tonsillectomy Post Operative
Instructions
What to expect after surgery?
The tonsillectomy procedure takes about 30 minutes and your surgeon will talk
with you as soon as the surgery is over. At that time you will receive prescriptions
for antibiotics and pain medicine. Your surgeon will also discuss any relevant
findings and specific instructions for the post op period. Use the area below
as a guide for the few weeks after surgery. If you have any questions, please
call our office.
Can my child go home after surgery?
Children usually go home the same day after surgery, but in some cases your doctor
may recommend keeping your child overnight in the hospital for observation. Children
under three or those with significant other medical problems should be scheduled
for overnight observation.
How bad will it hurt?
Your child’s throat will be very sore for quite a while after surgery. Most children
have some discomfort up to 14 days after a tonsillectomy. The sore throat will
make it difficult and painful to swallow. Your child may also experience ear
pain which often starts 5-7 days after the surgery. Using the pain medication
as prescribed by your surgeon will dramatically reduce the pain. It should allow
your child to remain comfortable and with the ability to drink fluids. Especially
with younger children, it takes lots of encouragement to keep them drinking at
home.
What can my child eat after surgery?
For the first day or two after surgery you should offer cool liquids such as
water, juice, popsicles and jello. If your child is up for it, you may also offer
ice cream, milk shakes, smooth yogurts and pudding. As your child starts to feel
better you can add other soft foods like applesauce, mashed potatoes, scrambled
eggs and pasta. Try and avoid crunchy or real spicy foods and stay away from
citrus drinks like grapefruit juice as this can cause a burning feeling in the
throat. There are no hard and fast rules regarding a post tonsillectomy diet.
If your child has a favorite food and it can be chewed well and swallowed without
difficulty then it’s probably ok to eat. Please remember that an upset stomach
and vomiting are common during the first 1-2 days after surgery. If this is severe
or continues beyond 48 hours call our office.
When can my child return to school?
Most children will be out of school or daycare for 7-10 days after surgery. Your
child should not participate in any vigorous activity including gym class for
at least 2 weeks after surgery.
What are some reasons I should contact the doctor?
1.Any fever over 102.5 F. A low grade fever is common for the first few days
after surgery. Keeping your child well hydrated will help but if fever persists
or it goes too high, please contact your doctor.
2.Nausea and vomiting may be present but if it is severe or interferes with fluid
intake please let us know. There are medicines which can be used to help this
problem.
3.If your child refuses to drink or you suspect your child is dehydrated.
4.Any bright red bleeding from the mouth or nose should be reported to your doctor
immediately.
What else do I need to know?
1.Do not give your child any pain medication not prescribed by your doctor. Please
do not use aspirin (which children should never receive anyways), or ibuprofen
(Motrin®) as this increases the risk for bleeding.
2.Bad breath may be present for 10-14 days following the procedure.
3.Constipation may be noted for several days after the procedure. The narcotic
pain medications tend to make this worse.
4.If you look in your child’s mouth, you may see two whitish areas where the
tonsils used to be. This is normal and not a sign of infection.
5.We strongly recommend that your child stay in the local area for a minimum
of two weeks after surgery due to the small but important risk of bleeding.
6.Plan on making a follow up appointment 3-4 weeks after surgery
7.If you have any questions or would like further information specific to your
child, please call our office. |
