Eastern Oklahoma Ear, Nose & Throat, Inc.
918-492-3636
Tonsillectomy & Adenoidectomy Post Op Instructions
Please save these instructions for review at home. They will answer most post-operative questions and
concerns.
ACTIVITY: After discharge quiet activity indoors is permitted (watching TV, reading, etc.). Children
should not go to school for the first 4 to 7 days; adults should not return to work for the first week
following surgery. Gradual resumption of activity is normal beginning one week after surgery, with return
to full activity by 12 to 14 days following surgery.
BLEEDING: Teeth may be brushed at any time after surgery. Routine gargling is not permitted. Avoid
excessive coughing, clearing the throat, or strenuous activity. The throat area from whence the tonsils were
removed develops a white membrane. This is a normal post-operative “scab” and should not cause alarm.
An odor from the mouth is common after tonsillectomy. This is due to scabs that are present in the back of
the throat after surgery. These come off about 7 to 10 days after surgery. Some bleeding may accompany
this, but should be small in amount and of brief duration. Gargling ice water and expectorating clots from
the throat can be used to assist control of such bleeding. If bleeding lasts longer than 15 minutes, or is of
large amounts, more than 2 or 3 tablespoons full of bright blood at one time, call the “on call” number 918492-3636.
DIET: Liquids for the first day after surgery, then liquids and soft food as tolerated. Tea, apple juice,
kool-aid, liquid gelatin, and soft drinks, when allowed to stand until “flat”, are acceptable beverages. Soft
food may include custard, soft eggs, meat and vegetables, etc. Avoid very hot food, salt, spices, and acid
food or juices. Many children prefer only liquids for a week or more after surgery and in such cases, give
instant breakfast in milk, etc., but do not force food on the child. It is not uncommon for children to lose
weight during the first 10 days.
VOMITING: If vomiting occurs, stop all food and give only small amounts of cola, ginger ale, seven-up
(allowed to stand until “flat”), after nausea has subsided. Omit medications for 12 to 29 hours, until nausea
and vomiting cease. Thereafter, re-start the medications and advance diet very slowly. If vomiting persists
despite these measures, let us know and medication will be phoned to your pharmacy.
MEDICATIONS: An antibiotic and a pain reliever have been prescribed. They should be taken as
directed. Do not use Aspirin, Advil, Aleve, Motrin, etc., or Aspirin containing compounds, as these
increase bleeding tendency. **If you are running low on pain medication please call the office during
office hours so that more pain medication can be phoned to your pharmacy. It is difficult to obtain
more pain medication after office hours or on weekends.
FEVER: A slight temperature (101 to 102) is common. If temperature over 102 develops, increase the
fluid intake and use Tylenol, Panadol or other acetaminophen containing compound to control the
temperature. If there is no response in 24 hours, contact our office.
INCREASED PAIN DURING WEEK #2: Ear and throat pain commonly become severe 5 to 7 days
following surgery. This requires repeated use of pain medication, but is not unusual.
EAR PAIN: Ear pain beginning 4-8 days after surgery is very common. The pain is referred from the
irritation of nerves in the throat and does not mean that an ear infection has developed.
EMERGENCY NUMBERS TO CALL;
Office (Answered 24 hours): 918-492-3636. If you reach the answering service, inform them you are a
surgery patient.