Tonsillectomy - Entegrity ENT



Tonsillectomy

Post Operative Information

What to expect after surgery?

• The removal of large or infected tonsils normally causes a significant sore throat lasting 7-10 days. Pain liquid will be prescribed which will help reduce the pain, but swallowing remains difficult nonetheless. Cool, soothing liquids (e.g., Gatorade, apple juice, smoothies, jello) are best tolerated during the first several days, graduating to soft foods (e.g., applesauce, mashed potatoes, etc.) as tolerated. Generally any solid food is acceptable to eat as long as it has been chewed to a mush by the time it is swallowed.

• Special message to parents: during the initial 5-7 days, please be firm in encouraging your child to drink. It is acceptable for your child to eat nothing for up to five days as long as he or she is drinking fluids adequately. Dark urine is an indicator of inadequate hydration during this time.

• Many patients will experience improvement in pain and swallowing 7 days after surgery, only to worsen again around the 8th or 9th day. Therefore, reserve some pain liquid specifically for this time, if needed. This phenomenon usually resolves quickly after the 10th day.

• Expect ear pain after surgery. This is very common and usually represents “phantom” or referred pain, and provides evidence that the throat is healing.

• Expect bad breath after surgery. This will last 7-14 days.

• Expect a swollen uvula and a white/gray coating in the back of the throat for 14 days.

• Expect excessive “phlegm” after surgery. This may last up to 3 weeks.

Bleeding is uncommon after a tonsillectomy. However, when it does occur, it usually won’t begin until 7-14 days surgery. For this reason, out-of-town travel is discouraged during this time. Small amounts of clot or blood may be normal; however, steady or brisk red bleeding that last longer than 10 minutes should promptly be reported. Our office may be reached during regular business hours as well after hours through our answering service.

Additional things to avoid for 2 weeks:

Acidic beverages, straws (or sippy cups), excessive talking, strenuous activities, aspirin or Ibuprofen products (e.g., Motrin, Advil, Aleve, etc)

Jeffrey J. Dyer, M.D.

Christopher L. Lykins, M.D.

Samuel S. Bailey, M.D.

Lindsay A. Osborne, PA-C

ENTEGRITY Ear, Nose & Throat Specialists

6950 E Chauncey Lane, Suite 100

Phoenix, AZ 85054

Ph: (480) 538-3200 Fax: (480) 538-3210



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