ENT Physicians of North MS, P.A.

Dr. James McAuley             Dr. Montgomery Berry

Dr. Robert Yarber                Dr. Ryan Simmons

Dr. Matthew Stevens           Dr. Kurt Nelson

POST OP TONSILLECTOMY & ADENOIDECTOMY INSTRUCTIONS



REMEMBER: No food or drink after midnight on the night before your surgery



After a tonsillectomy, yellow or white patches will form in the throat. These are moist scabs and will fall off in 7-10 days. Expect bad breath for up to 2 weeks after surgery. Your child can perform normal mouth care, except NO GARGLING.

After an adenoidectomy, your child may have a wet, congested nose for several days. Snoring may worsen also, but usually goes away after in 2-3 weeks. Let your doctor know if your child is having any trouble breathing after surgery. Your child's voice may sound nasal, with air or liquid escape through the nose. This will usually go away within 3 weeks.

DIET: Some physicians will want your child to avoid hard foods (ex: chips) for 2 weeks. You may discuss this with your doctor on the day of the surgery. DRINK plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration. Signs of dehydration may include: decrease in urine output, dark colored urine, increasing weakness, dry mouth, lack of tears when crying.

ACTIVITIES: Your child should NOT return to school for at least 10 days.

PAIN: Pain is common for up to 14 days after surgery. Your child may also complain of pain in their EARS or a STIFF NECK. Your physician may NOT prescribe narcotic pain medication to your child depending on their age. If this is the case, we recommend alternating Tylenol and Ibuprofen every 3 hours. If pain medication is prescribed, alternate the prescribed medicine with Ibuprofen every 3 hours. 

BLEEDING: Bleeding after surgery may occur in up to 2% of patients. This usually occurs 5-10 days after surgery if the moist scabs fall off before the throat has healed. You may notice blood in the mouth or in the nose. If you notice a few drops of blood or blood-tinged saliva, have your child lie down and apply a cold pack to the neck and/or drink cold water then call your doctor's office. If there is more than a tablespoon of blood or if it is after clinic hours, GO TO THE NEAREST EMERGENCY ROOM. 

FEVER: It is common to have a fever up to 102F after surgery for up to 5 days. Give Tylenol, Ibuprofen or prescribed pain medicine as directed and increase intake of liquids. If the fever is greater than 102F, or lasts longer than 5 days, call the clinic.

NAUSEA / VOMITING: It is common to see nausea or vomiting for 1-2 days after surgery. You may see a small amount of old, dark blood. Use the nausea medicine prescribed by your doctor as directed. If bright red blood is seen in the vomit, please follow instructions above for bleeding.

 A FOLLOW UP VISIT: will be scheduled at our office in 1-2 weeks after surgery.This is an important visit to monitor how the throat has healed and to check on any problems the patient may be having.

 

If you have other questions or problems, please call: 

Tupelo office: 662-844-6513 or Toll Free: 877-944-6513

Nurse Link: 662-377-3007 or 1-800-882-6274

Tupelo Hospital: 662-377-3000 for the ENT Nurse of Doctor on call