Maddern Tonsillectomy and/or Adenoidectomy Post-Operative Surgery Instructions

Tonsillectomy (Removal of the tonsils)

The tonsils are found in the back of the throat on each side of the mouth cavity behind the tongue. They are frequently removed because for obstructive breathing or repeated bouts of tonsillitis (infected tonsils).

Adenoidectomy (Removal of the adenoids)

The adenoids are located behind the nose and hidden from view by the palate (roof of the mouth). Frequent ear infections, nasal airway obstruction, or obstruction of the eustachian tube (a passage that connects the middle ear to the back of the throat) are some reasons for adenoidectomy.

General Instructions

Medication

• A moderate amount of throat discomfort is to be expected after a tonsillectomy.
  
  
• Many times ear pain will be present, which is pain referred from the tonsil area. Pain medication such as Tylenol®, with or without codeine will be provided.
  
  
• Taking the medicine one-half hour before eating may help your child to be more comfortable while swallowing. The more your child swallows, the sooner the throat discomfort will disappear.
  
  
• DO NOT USE ASPIRIN OR ADVIL (IBUPROFEN) AS THIS MAY CAUSE BLEEDING.
  

Diet

• Drinking is very important to insure healing.
  
  
• Avoid sour liquids such as tomato, orange or grapefruit juice.
  
  
• Apple or apricot juice and popsicles are suggested. Soft foods like Jello and mashed foods are helpful to maintain adequate nutrition.
  
  
• Avoid hot, spicy, rough or scratchy foods such as toast, potato chips, pretzels, crisp bacon or foods of similar consistency. They may irritate the healing throat and cause bleeding.
  
  
• Continue the suggested soft diet for 7 to 10 days after surgery.
  
  
• Rinse the mouth with plain water after each meal to keep the back of the throat clear of debris and food particles.
  

Rest

• Allow limited physical activity the first 2-3 days at home.
  
  
• NO OUT OF TOWN TRAVEL/VACATIONS FOR AT LEAST TWO WEEKS AFTER SURGERY.
  

The Operative Site

• When you look into the throat following a tonsillectomy, you will see yellow or white patches where the tonsils were. This is not a sign of infection. This is a temporary, expected, normal process. This scab, or “eschar”, will come off after 5-10 days. Some slight bleeding can be expected.
  
  
• A foul odor is common from the mouth/nose.
  
  
• Teeth brushing is allowed and recommended.
  

Warning Signs

• Fever over 102.5°
  
  
• Severe pain, unrelieved by prescribed medication
  
  
• Bright red bleeding that lasts for a few minutes (blood tinged mucous is usually of no consequence)
  
  
• Call the office immediately at the following:
  (904) 398-5437 Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
  (904) 398-5437 on weekends, holidays and evenings. You may need to call the emergency room.
  

Post-operative Appointment
There will be post-operative phone calls made by the nurses to you after the surgery with specifics questions about your child’s recovery; based on these questions, the nurse will inform you if a post-operative appointment is necessary. Therefore, it is very important that our office has your current phone numbers.