Post op Tonsillectomy Instructions

Post operative pain management

*All patients will be sent home with acetaminophen (tylenol) and ibuprofen (motrin). Acetaminophen should be taken every 4 hours except while sleeping overnight for the first 3 days. ** You should not exceed 5 doses per day ** After 3 days, the acetaminophen should be given on an as needed basis (not to be taken more than every 4 hours and 5 doses per day).
*Your physician may choose to send the patient home with a prescription for Motrin/Ibuprofen. This should be taken as needed every 6 hours for moderate to severe breakthrough pain. This may be taken in addition to acetaminophen.

If oxycodone/ hycet or norco are given please only use for extreme pain and always maintain 4 hours between use.

Normal post op symptoms

*Normal post op healing period is up to 14 days after the procedure. Pain peaks at day 5 and may increase again on days 7-10.
*Low grade fever for up to 2 weeks (99 F- 100 F)
*Sore throat
*Ear, neck, and jaw pain– this is referred pain from the throat.
*DIET– Your child may refuse solid foods for the first few days- push fluids, minimum of 32 oz a day. Soft diet for 2 weeks if they will not tolerate solids BUT you can start regular a diet when ready. Avoid foods such as chips, pretzels, pizza crust and toast. These foods can stick to the back of the throat.
*The back of the throat will have a whitish, pink or yellowish coating. This is normal. Around days 7-10 this coating (scabs) will start to fall off. Pain may now increase for a couple of days. Continue the use of pain medication.
  ANY BLEEDING FROM THE CHILDS NOSE OR MOUTH, MORE THAN JUST BLOOD STREAKED MUCOUS, SHOULD BE SEEN AT THE NEAREST EMERGENCY ROOM RIGHT AWAY

Things to call about

*Severe pain not reduced by pain medication that has been given around the clock.
*Not drinking enough fluids and concerns that your child is dehydrated.
*Severe neck pain. If your child is unable to turn their neck side to side.
*Bad breath greater than 14 days.

*If your child feels up to it and is off pain medication can return to school in 7 days if physician approves, but no gym or sports for 14 days, and no contact sports for 21 days.

*If your child needs to have pre op lab work done prior to surgery you will receive a script at your preop visit. If this is not completed or if results are not normal 3 days prior to surgery, the surgery will be cancelled.

Tonsillectomy and Adeniodectomy Post- Operative Instructions