Discharge Information: post Tonsillectomy +/- Adenoidectomy
Dear Patient/Carer:
Please read this document carefully as it contains important information that complements the
instructions given by your MEG ENT Specialist during your recent surgical admission.
Medications:
- Pain Management:
- You should receive analgaesics and instructions (e.g. Paracetamol, ibuprofen) prior
to your discharge from hospital. - Ensure you take regular pain relief, as directed.
- Moderate Throat pain and discomfort is expected for up to 14 days. Some patients also
experience earache. - This pain usually lessens in the first 3 days, but may worsen on post operative days 3-7.
This is normal. It will then gradually improve. - It is also recommended that you gargle with a suitable mouth wash which will have a
pain relieving effect - E.g. Cepacaine®, Difflam®
- Antibiotics:
- You MEG ENT Specialist may prescribe Oral Antibiotics on discharge from hospital.
- Use as directed
- Resumption of “Blood Thinning” Medications:
- Prescribed Blood Thinning Agents
- e.g. Aspirin, Warfarin, Clopidogrel, Rivaroxaban
- Your MEG ENT Specialist, in discussion with your GP/Physician will instruct
you on when to recommence these medications. - Over the counter blood thinning agents
- e.g. Krill Oil, Fish Oil, Ginseng, Gingko, Garlic, etc.
- You can restart these medications 2 weeks after your surgery.
Wound Care:
- Wound bed appearance:
- the area where the tonsils were removed will have a creamy white coating for the first
2 weeks after your operation. - This is a normal part of healing, and will return to healthy pink tissue after a few
weeks. - Bad Breath
- This is common and will be temporary
- Continue to brush your teeth regularly and use a non-alcohol based mouth rinse if
desired. - Bleeding:
- Bleeding occurs occasionally, especially when the tonsillar bed becomes dry and
crusted. Any fresh bleeding after the surgery must be investigated. - If you experience any bleeding, suck on ice and place an ice pack (frozen peas) on the
back (nape) of the neck. Try to avoid swallowing any blood as this will make you feel
sick. - Most simple bleeds will settle with this management and it will reduce larger bleeds.
- If bleeding continues for longer than 10 minutes, or you are concerned you should:
- Present to the nearest Emergency Department
- Call 000 and ask for an ambulance
Diet:
- Full, normal, diet is actively encouraged
- This includes food that must be chewed and swallowed – not just “ice cream and jelly”
- Chewing allows muscles in the throat, jaw and neck to be used and not ‘seize up’ –
decreasing pain and the risk of bleeding. - Avoid hot, spicy and acidic foods for the first 2 weeks as they may increase pain and the risk of
bleeding. - Adults should avoid alcohol intake in the first 2 weeks post-op
Return to Normal Activities:
- You or your child will usually require 2 weeks from work or school for recovery.
- Week 1-2 post-op:
- First 24 hours: Adults should avoid operating heavy machinery and signing
important/legal documents. - Have relative rest and avoid lifting heavy objects.
- Avoid bending over.
- If you need to pick up objects from the floor, do so by bending your knees and keeping
your head up if possible. - Avoid taking flights if possible.
- Week 2-4 post op:
- You may now restart slowly all previous levels of physical exercise (including sports).
Attend your nearest Emergency Department or Local GP Clinic if:
- Bleeding continues for more than 10 minutes.
- Severe pain or fever is uncontrolled by the prescribed analgaesics
On your Postoperative Appointment:
- An appointment will be arranged for 4-6 weeks after the operation.
- At this appointment, your MEG ENT Specialist will inspect you or your child’s throat.
We will confirm the time and date of your post-operative appointment soon. Do not hesitate to
contact us if you require any further information regarding these instructions.