POST OPERATIVE CARE INSTUCTIONS FOLLOWING TONSILLECTOMY:

The following instructions will help you know what to expect in the days following surgery. Do not, however, hesitate to contact Dr. AKhan if you have any questions or concerns.

Physical Activities:

After this surgery, children should rest and avoid strainious activities for three or four days. Should the patient start feeling constipated please inform us immediately as it may increase blood pressure. Children may return to school whenever comfortable; a week is average, but 10 days is not unusual.

After this surgery, children should rest but may play inside after one or two days and may be outside after three or four days if they feel up to it. Strenuous physical activity following surgery is discouraged. Children may return to school whenever comfortable; a week is average, but 10 days is not unusual.

Diet:

The more your child drinks, the sooner the pain will subside. Water, apple juice and grape juice are excellent sources of liquids. Soft foods such as ice cream, yogurt, pudding, apple sauce and jelly should also be encouraged.
Other soft, easily chewed foods are also excellent, such as smash or soft pasta. Avoid hot or spicy foods, citrus, bannanas, or foods that are hard and crunchy. Often, chewing gum speeds comfortable eating by reducing the spasm after surgery and can be started any time after surgery.

Pain:

For the first several days (occasionally up to 10 days) following surgery, pain in the throat is to be expected. This can be controlled by the medication prescribed by Dr. AKhan post operatively. Pain is often worse at night and may prompt the need for additional pain medication. Ear pain, especially with swallowing is also a common occurrence; it is not an ear infection, but due to referred pain from the surgery. Occasionally a stiff neck may occur. Please contact Dr. AKhan if it becomes excessively painful.

Ice Collar:

An ice collar can also be helpful for postoperative sore throat. Make this by placing ice cubes and water in a large Zip-Loc bag and wrapping it in a towel. Gently lay the ice pack on the front of the neck.

Fever:

While children have a fever, they should play quietly or remain in bed. If the fever persists (more than two days) or if a higher fever develops, contact Dr. A Khan for advice. Fever may indicate that you have not taken in sufficient fluids or may have an infection. Please note that it's normal to get a low grade fever below 38.4 degrees from the 4th to the 8th day.

Bleeding:

Post-operative bleeding is unusual, but it can occur up to two weeks after surgery. Most bleeding is minor and you may only see a little coating of blood on the tongue. Put your chid into bed, sitting upright, and place an ice collar on their neck. Watch for spitting, coughing, or vomiting of blood. If you suspect bleeding following surgery, contact Dr. AKhan immediately.

Follow up:

Arrange to see Dr. AKhan for a follow-up appointment three to four weeks after surgery.

«Back