TONSILLECTOMY

Pre/Post Operative Instructions

Dietary: Avoid citrus fruit juices (orange, lemon, etc.), spicy and highly seasoned foods, crunchy foods (popcorn, chips).

First Day: Lots of water and other fluids, jello, popsicles, sherberts. Milk products and ice cream are not recommended because they may not be easily swallowed or digested. Dehydration will cause increased pain and fever.

Second Day: Continue with lots of fluids, adding milk products, ice cream, milkshakes, puddings, soft cereal creamed soups, & soft cooked eggs.

Third Day: More soft foods may be added as the patient tolerates and desires. Foods should be easy to chew and soft to swallow.

General Instructions

• Take the medication prescribed for pain as directed.
  
  
• Gargles are NOT recommended except for crushed ice in water as it may give relief for discomfort.
• Pain medication every 4 hours while awake the first 24 hours after surgery. After 3 to 4 days of pain medication, you may switch to regular Tylenol. Take as needed.
• A mouth odor is commonly present for several days, and may be resolved by drinking lots of fluids. Brush teeth at least twice daily. A white film over the areas where the tonsils were removed is also common.
• An ice collar or cold compress to the neck may be soothing, but is not necessary if not comfortable to the patient.
• Chewing gum in older children may help with the pain by providing saliva production and increasing moisture.

Normal Problems

• Ear Pain: This is due to pain fibers in the tonsil region. Pain medication ad the use of throat medication may help. NOTE: this pain may least a week or more.
• Low Grade Fever: Fevers less than 101 degrees F (38.5 C) are normal and should respond to fluid and Tylenol.
• White Patches in the Tonsillar Region: These are the scabs that form after the tonsils are removed. They should all off within approximately 7-10 days.
• Small Streaks of blood in the saliva and nasal mucous.
• Vomiting: Vomiting within the first 48 hours after surgery is normal. It may look dark brown or black in color. It should not have bright red blood or clots.

Abnormal Problems

• Increase in Fever (102 degrees F) If fever increases to 102 F or above, and/or dark urine occurs, this is usually an indication that the patient is not drinking enough fluids.
• Bleeding: CALL THE OFFICE IMMEDIATELY If you are not able to contact the office, go directly to the emergency room. They will contact Dr. Daube.

Note: If fever of 102 F or above does not respond quickly to Tylenol and increased fluid intake (within 4 hours), call the office @ 784-7722. If after 5:00 pm go directly to the emergency room.

Please call the office if you have any questions or concerns. After 5:00pm call and the answering service will contact Dr. Daube and he will return your call as soon as possible.