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Postop Tonsillectomy

Postop Tonsilectomy

POSTOPERATIVE INFORMATION FOR TONSILLECTOMY IN ADULTS

  • Adenotonsillectomy requires an overnight stay. 2 weeks will be required off work or study. Travelling, heavy physical activity, or exercise should be avoided for 3 weeks.
  • There is significant pain in most adult patients, lasting for up to 2 weeks.
  • Unlike most surgery, where pain is greatest in the early postoperative period, the peak of pain after tonsillectomy is often at a significant delay.
  • Characteristically the peak of pain will occur between day 5 and day 10 after surgery. Referred ear pain is quite common at the peak of symptoms.
  • It is usual for the tonsillectomy wound to become swollen, with a yellow sloughy appearance.

PAIN RELIEF

  • Even with optimal pain relief, it can still be a struggle. We recommend the following regime
    • REGULAR PARACETAMOL- 1g 4X day
    • REGULAR NON STEROIDAL ANTIINFLAMMATORY eg Nurofen 200mg 3X day
    • ENDONE 5mg up to 6X day, as required by symptoms
  • In the event of sensitivities or allergies to medications, there are other alternatives available.
  • Opiate medication such as Endone can contribute to constipation. It may be worth discussing a laxative with your pharmacist if there is difficulty opening your bowels.
  • If pain relief is not sufficient, please contact us at any time for further advice, as there is almost always something further that can be done.
  • If pain is unmanageable, to the point where oral intake is impossible, admission to hospital will be necessary.

ANTIBIOTICS

  • A script for antibiotics is usually given.

BLEEDING

  • In the event that bleeding occurs from the mouth or throat that does not immediately stop, present to your nearest emergency department.
  • There is a chance that further surgery may be required to stop the bleeding.

POSTOPERATIVE VISIT

 

  • This will usually be 2-3 weeks after the operation