Tonsillectomy & Adenoidectomy Post-Op Instructions

Tonsillectomy & Adenoidectomy

• Keep head elevated on 2 or more pillows when in bed. 
• Consume as much fluids as tolerated. Water, apple juice, And other non-citrus juices are fine. Avoid citrus drinks such as lemonade or orange juice, as these may cause throat pain. Avoid hot drinks, which can cause bleeding. 
• A soft diet can be taken when tolerated. Avoid foods that have sharp edges (toast, etc.) and hot foods (temperature) that can cause bleeding. Spicy foods can cause throat pain and should also be avoided. 
• The throat pain can be significant, but Tylenol or other prescription pain medication used as directed should be adequate to make the pain tolerable. The throat pain should begin to improve after 2-3 days, but may not completely resolve for 10-14 days. 
• A whitish membrane will form where the tonsils were, and the breath may be malodorous for a few days. These findings are normal. 
• If any bleeding, breathing problems, or fever above 101.5 F occurs, call the office immediately.
• Make an appointment to see the doctor in 3-4 weeks. Follow up times may vary and you’ll be given specific dates after your procedure.