Tonsillectomy, Adenoidectomy Child

General Instructions

1. After surgery, a sore throat and earache on swallowing are to be expected.  Encouraging fluids and soft foods will speed recovery from pain.
   
   
2. Taking liquids is most important for the elimination of throat pain each day.  A mild elevation of temperature usually means the patient is not taking enough liquids.
   
   
3. Pain medication should be given every 4 hours for pain.  Tylenol elixir, Tylenol chewable, or Tylenol with Codeine elixir is recommended for pain.  You will receive a prescription for Tylenol with Codeine elixir if appropriate for the child's age.  DO NOT USE ASPIRIN, ASPERGUM, ADVIL, MOTRIN, OR SIMILAR MEDICATIONS UNLESS DIRECTED TO DO SO BY YOUR PHYSICIAN.
   
   
4. Do not be alarmed by the presence of a white membrane in the throat; it will be present for 1 to 3 weeks after surgery.  The membrane may cause an odor for several days. 
   
   
5. BLEEDING is unlikely, but may occur in very small amounts up to 14 days after surgery.  If bleeding becomes heavy, DO NOT DELAY.  Call our office at 913-764-2737 or report to the Emergency Department of the Olathe Medical Center at 913-791-4357.
   
   
6. Call our office at 913-764-2737 if you have bleeding from the throat that does not clear with cold water, or temperature elevation of 101º F or greater in the first 48 hours, or persistent vomiting.  For temperature elevation after 48 hours or development of a cough, call your pediatrician primary care physician.
   

ACTIVITIES

1. The day of surgery, motor skills may be impaired.
   
   
2. Children may return to school with limited activity in 5 to 7 days.  They will need to be out of physical education classes for 2 weeks.
   
   
3. Vigorous physical activity should be avoided for 14 days.
   

DIETARY INSTRUCTIONS

1. Encourage liquids.
   
   
2. AVOID sharp foods such as popcorn, chips and dry toast for 2 weeks.
   
   
3. Soft foods can be added the day after surgery.
   
   
4. Some patients do not eat solid food for 7 to 10 days.  This is normal.
   

FOLLOW-UP

You are scheduled to see your doctor in one (1) week.