Tonsillectomy

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	Pre-operative Instructions
	Post-operative Instructions
	Myringotomy
	Adenoidectomy
	Tonsillectomy
	Adenotonsillectomy
	Endoscopic Sinus Surgery

Dr. Burton's Post-Op Instructions for
Tonsillectomy

NO OUT OF TOWN TRAVEL FOR AT LEAST TWO WEEKS AFTER SURGERY.

Head, neck, throat, and ear pain are common for 7 - 10 days after a tonsillectomy. Use Tylenol® with Codeine or Lortab® every 4 hours, while awake, for moderate to severe pain. May alternate with Children’s Tylenol® or Tempra® every 4 hours once child is eating and drinking well on their own. Prescription refills will be called in during normal business hours.
DO NOT use Motrin®, Advil®, or ibuprofen products in the 5 days before surgery through the 14 days after surgery due to the increased risk of bleeding.
DIET: Start with clear liquids such as Gatorade, apple juice, Popsicles, and Jell-O. Advance to a soft diet as tolerated. Avoid citrus, spicy and coarse foods (potato chips, pizza crust) for 2 weeks after surgery as they may irritate the throat.
Encourage fluid intake to prevent dehydration and promote healing. Fluids prevent bleeding from the surgical site and prevent infection. Dehydration is the most common cause of low-grade fevers in children postoperatively.
Bleeding may occur 1 - 2 weeks after surgery when scabs fall off healing tissue. If your child bleeds, apply ice packs on both sides of the nose, around the neck, and have child drink ice water for 15 minutes. If bleeding is not controlled, call our office. We will coordinate where you should go for further evaluation and treatment.
Antibiotics are normally given postoperatively to prevent infection and reduce incidence of bad breath. Call our office if your child develops a fever > 102º F.
Voice changes may occur postoperatively. These changes are due to changes in muscle functioning in the back of the throat and usually resolve after several weeks.
Restrict any strenuous activity that may increase child’s heart rate or blood pressure for 2 weeks after surgery. (Ex. running, bike riding, gymnastics, cheerleading, sports activities, swimming)
Postoperative visits are not routinely scheduled for this procedure. We will make postoperative telephone calls to ensure that healing is adequate. If at any time during the healing process you have concerns that you feel need to be addressed with an office visit, please feel free to call us to schedule an appointment. Generally, 2 weeks after surgery your child is considered to be out of the acute postoperative phase and is free to resume normal activity.
Please call for any questions or concerns you may have regarding your child’s status at (770) 953-1414.

Any information provided on this Web site should not be considered medical advice or a substitute for a consultation with a physician. If you have a medical problem, contact your local physician for diagnosis and treatment.

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