Tonsillectomy +/- adenoidectomy
Post operative advice
General advice
- After a general anaesthetic you may feel groggy for up to 24 hours. This can be associated with nausea and vomiting from the medication and fasting so a return to oral fluids can help and there is anti-nausea medication that you can access
- Pain is a common symptoms post this operation; it typically peaks day 5-7 post operative before resolving by day 14. Taking regular pain relief will help with this as well as maintaining a normal oral intake where possible.
- It is likely you will experience bad breath for 2-3 weeks after the operation as well; this is normal and will resolve once the wounds have healed. The white slough appearance in your throat is normal and not a sign of infection.
- Not all hospitals have ENT surgeons on hand but most will have a staffed emergency department for first aid measures. Dr Grigg recommends the following for her patients in the two weeks following surgery.
o Children – stay within 60 minutes of Toowoomba (ENT staffed)
o Adults – stay within 45 minutes of a staffed Emergency Department (i.e. Warwick/Dalby)
- If you live further away then Dr Grigg recommends staying in local accommodation. She will see you post operatively between day 12-14 to ensure you are safe to return home.
Medications
- Regular pain relief is key in the recovery period as this will allow you to feel comfortable eating and drinking as you heal
- Please take paracetamol and ibuprofen (or alternative non-steroidal anti-inflammatory as prescribed) on alternating schedules
o Suggest dose of paracetamol on waking with a glass of cold water and then ibuprofen with breakfast/food. These two medications should be alternated throughout the day
- Stronger pain relief will be provided as well. Suggestions for when you might need this
o 30 mins before meals to help with eating
o Before bed if struggling to fall asleep with pain
o 1 hour after taking paracetamol/nurofen and still with >5/10 of pain
Post operative bleeding
- This can occur post tonsillectomy in 5% of children and up to 10% of adults
- Streaking of blood in saliva or <1tsp of blood is normal and will generally settle on its own. Gargle some cold water and place an icepack on the back of your neck
- Any bleeding that last more than 20 minutes or is greater than one tablespoon in volume, you should return to your nearest Emergency Department. If concerned please call an Ambulance.
Activities
- Generally you will need 2 weeks off school or work; this allows you to rest and take regular pain relief. After this you can resume normal activities.
- Gentle movement such as a slow walk is appropriate to do as you recover but heavy lifting and gym work should be avoided for this period.
When to seek medical advice
When to seek medical advice
- Persistent temperature >38
o It is common to have slight temperatures in the first five days. If these are ongoing or do not resolve with paracetamol then seek medical advice
- Bleeding >1 tbsp
- Drowsiness post pain relief
- Increasing pain despite medications provided
- Concerns regarding dehydration or poor oral intake
Follow up
- Dr Grigg will arrange to see you after your operation. If you do not receive this at time of booking, please contact the rooms at your earliest convenience.
- For country patients she will see you between day 12-14 post operatively to ensure you are safe to return home
- For local patients she will see you between 2-3 weeks post operatively