Post Tonsillectomy
and
Adenotonsillectomy Information

  • Tonsillectomy pain is common and does require medication:

  • Avoid hot foods, or foods that are spicy or acidic.  Rough or chewy foods are fine.

  • Encourage normal diet – although “grazing” rather than full meals may be the norm.

  • Regular pain relief will be required:

Pain relief for children:

  • regular paracetamol (4 times a day)

  • regular ibuprofen/nurofen (3 times a day)

    • this can be spaced in between paracetamol doses so your child is receiving regular pain relief

    • discuss with your surgeon if your child has significant asthma as ibuprofen may need to be avoided.

  • Follow dosage guidelines to avoid overdosing and these can be continued for as long as required

  • Oxycodone syrup may be required intermittently

  • Encourage regular drinking of water.

  • Sucking Icey Poles or similar provides gentle movement of the throat muscles and can reduce pain.

    Adults:  regular paracetamol and ibuprofen.  Chewing gum can ease the pain

  • Oxycodone tablets may be required intermittently

  • Ensure adequate fluid intake – Icy Poles are a good trick in children.

  • Antibiotics may be required in some instances, although after not often required.

  • Expect to be home from school/kindergarten or work for 10 days.

  • Avoid strenuous activities and swimming for 2 weeks.

  • If you are live away from the Adelaide metropolitan area, you should remain within an hour of the Adelaide CBD for 2 weeks post operatively due to potential for bleeding. 

It is normal:

To have a fever in the first 24 hours after surgery

If a fever persists or occurs later please contact rooms

To note an increase in pain between days 3 – 5

Note bad breath and a white or yellow/green debris  (also called “slough”) where the tonsils were is normal (this is not a sign of infection).

It is NOT normal:

To have bleeding:  Any bleeding more than a tablespoon in size should present to the nearest Emergency Department.

To have a sudden increase in pain or fever after 48 hours post surgery – please call the rooms if this occurs.    

Follow up appointments are usually at 6 weeks.  Please call the rooms if you have any other questions.