POST OPERATIVE INFORMATION
​-TONSILLECTOMY & ADENOIDECTOMY

• Bleeding from the mouth or nose (may occur as late as 5-10 days after surgery)

• Fever (temperature greater than 38.5 °C or 101 °F)

• It is normal to feel a little dizzy and sleepy following an operation

  • Get up slowly after lying down to decrease dizziness

• Rest for the next 48 hours

• Ear pain is normal as it is referred pain from your throat

• Someone should be wait with you for the first 24 hours after returning home from the hospital

• No driving for 24 hours due to anesthesia, or if you have decreased alertness where it is hazardous to drive

• No alcohol for 24 hours after surgery

• You are ready to resume normal activities 7 to 10 days after surgery

• Beyond normal acitivites should be avoided for 10 days.

  • ie: swimming, exercise, skating, running etc. ​

• The back of the throat will usually appear white for several days after surgery and may be associated with bad breath.

  • This is normal and does not mean there is an infection. It will go away on its own.​

• Encourage fluid intake. There are seldom any post-operative problems if fluid intake is adequate.

  • Start with cool/cold liquids such as water, carbonated drinks, popsicles, cracked ice, ice cream, sherbet, and apple juice​

• Gradually increase to soft foods such as; milk, cooked then cooled cereal, jello, cooled strained soups, cooked then cooled vegetables, soft cheese, instant breakfast drink, macaroni/cheese, mashed potatoes, milkshakes, eggnog, and soft cooked fruits.​

Earaches are common for the first while. If your hearing is unchanged, and there is no discharge from the ears, the pain is radiating from your throat.

• Your throat will be sore for several days after surgery. Pain will be at its worst between day 5 to 7.

• If you are on pain medication containing codeine such as Tylenol #1, #2, #3, you may need to eat a high fibre diet to avoid constipation and if needed take a mild laxative.

The throat needs some time to heal. The back of the throat will usually appear white for several days after surgery and can be associated with bad breath. This is normal and does not mean there is an infection. It will go away on its own.

​There is a raw spot or incision that could bleed if disturbed.

• Do not take aspirin or medication containing aspirin for at least 3 weeks after surgery, as this may cause bleeding. If taking blood thinners or aspirin for medical reasons, contact your surgeon when to restart.

• Avoid orange juice and acidic juices/drinks for the first few days.

• Avoid the following for 3 weeks after surgery; bacon, potato chips, popcorn, toast, citrus juices, and spicy foods.

• Avoid the use of gargle or vigorous tooth brushing.

• Discourage coughing or clearing the throat.

Dr. Samy's secretary books the surgery and follow-up at the same time. Look through your surgery papers Dr. Samy's office gave you either at your appointment or emailed to you. If lost, contact the office for a follow-up. It is essential to have a follow-up with your surgeon after surgery.