Tonsillectomy/Adenoidectomy Discharge Instructions

The recovery period following this surgery is usually 1-2 weeks. Please follow these instructions for a smooth, safe recovery:

1. Nausea and vomiting are common following surgery. This will be mostly resolved by the time of Hospital discharge.


2. Drink plenty of fluids at home. Cold drinks are more soothing for the first 24 to 48 hours. Thereafter, any food can be eaten although a liquid and soft diet (e.g. pudding, sherbet, ice pops, Jello, cooked cereals, soups, scrambled eggs, macaroni) may be preferred for the first week. Ice cream and dairy products are okay unless they cause excessive phlegm. Use of straws are okay. By the end of the second week the diet should be back to normal.


3. Weight loss is expected. This is not worrisome as long as fluid intake is adequate. Minimum daily fluid intake is according to patient weight as follows: 20-29 pounds = 4 cups 30-44 pounds = 6 cups 45-64 pounds = 7 cups 65-84 pounds = 8 cups Adults = 2-4 quarts


4. Normal activities may be resumed at your own pace. However, no running, swimming, hard playing or contact sports shold br undertaken for at least 10 days. A child may return to school after 5-7 days if he/she feels up to it.


5. After surgery, one or more of the following may be experienced for up to 2 weeks: a. Ear pain b. Neck pain c. Throat pain d. Bad breath e. Excessive mucus in the nose and mouuth f. A change in voice g. Fever and/or cough


6. White scabs in the back of the throat are part of the normal healing process.


7. Please take the antibiotic and pain medicine as prescribed. However, NO aspirin or aspirin-like products such as Motrin are to be taken during the first two weeks after surgery unless approved by your doctor.


8. ANY BLEEDING IS ABNORMAL! Please call the office immediately, day or night or go to a Hospital Emergency Room in an emergency. Report any bleeding, inability to take in adequate fluid or problems with medication to the Doctor.


9. Office follow up is scheduled for approximately 1 week after surgery. *This surgery is significant and will cause discomfort. Adults undergoing a tonsillectomy may experience more pain than children. We highly stress the importance of drinking plenty of fluids after surgery to avoid prolonged hospitalization and postoperative complications such as dehydration, infection and bleeding.