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Tonsillectomy/Adenoidectomy & UPPP Surgery
- Children are generally irritable and disoriented as they awake from general anesthesia. This phase typically lasts for 30-60 minutes.
- Some children will have nausea and vomiting as they awake. This phase may last up to a few hours. Occasionally the adenoid wound will ooze a small amount of blood for a short time, which may be vomited up.
- It is necessary to take liquids frequently in order to prevent dehydration. Encourage and offer liquids every hour while awake. Dehydration will increase pain, increase the risk of bleeding or infection, and delay healing.
- Diet: Solid food may be taken as early as the first day after surgery. Avoid hard, scratchy foods (such as chips), chewy food, spicy foods/hot temperature foods, and citrus juices. At first, most people prefer cool over warm foods. Chewing may be painful, but should be encouraged since it helps prevent muscle spasms in the healing throat. A temporary slight change in the voice is normal
- Do not gargle unless instructed to do so. Avoid coughing, hacking, or forcibly clearing your throat, as this may cause bleeding.
- Mouth odor is common. It will decrease with time and adequate food and fluid intake.
- It is normal to have referred ear pain after a tonsillectomy. Pain medication given on a regular schedule helps to lessen this. As the pain lessens switch to Tylenol.
- Notify St. Joseph’s Ear, Nose, and Throat Clinic of the following:
- Fever over 101°
- Persistent cough
- Persistent, active bleeding from the throat
- If there are any questions or concerns, please contact St. Joseph’s Ear, Nose & Throat Clinic at (208) 777-1320.
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