Post Surgery Cares after Tonsillectomy

After the surgery when the nurse allows, give your child ice candy or ice cream. Swallowing should be encouraged as soon as possible, as this works up the muscle in the throat and reduces after surgery pain. In older children giving them chewing gum to chew can do this.

Ensure adequate water intake so that proper hydration is maintained.

Plenty of oral fluids: coconut water, Ruhafza, milk shakes, juice (apple, mango). Soft Diet: Child should be encouraged to have soft food like custard, jelly, plain ice cream, khichdi (should not be hot), and fresh yoghurt. Other soft foods which are non spicy and which are not hot can also be given. If child is fond of fruits then banana, chiku, sweet mango can be given.

• Hot, crunchy & spicy food includes Junk food, pizza & burgers
• Tangy foods, citric juices & vinegars
• Hard foods like apples, Paratha
• Hot temperature foods

Pain in throat is expected for first few days. To avoid pain your child should take plenty of oral fluids and should be encouraged to swallow. Painkillers are always prescribed in the set of medicines and it is important to take the painkillers as advised by the doctor. There may be ear pain especially on swallowing.

Ice collar can be used. Placing crushed ice in zip-loc bag or by wrapping ice cubes in a thin towel and placing it around the neck.

There may be a change in voice after the surgery. The space, which was earlier occupied by tonsils and adenoids, is now clear and open. This cause change in resonance.

There may be mild fever but that generally is transient. If the fever persists for more than 2 days or the temperature increases despite taking regular medicines then call and meet the doctor. Child should avoid physical activity and should take proper rest.

You may be little surprised to see that child is still breathing through moth and there is snoring also after the surgery. This is because of the swelling due to surgery. This generally subsides over a period of time.

Bleeding after surgery is unusual but may occur in 1-2% of the patients. This generally occurs between 7th -12th day of the surgery. It may start as bloodstain in spitting or coughing. You should avoid child to do physical activity and should nurse the child in bed. Place the ice collar around the neck. If it does not stop then child will need hospitalization so either contact the doctor or come directly to hospital emergency services.

Encourage the child to do gargles with Dilute Hydrogen peroxide solution (1:10 dilution).

Child can start brushing the teeth from 2-3 day onwards with a soft brush. Avoid brushing over the tongue and gums. Avoid hawking or throat clearing while brushing.