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Tonsillectomy and Adenoidectomy (T&A)
Anatomy: The tonsils and adenoids are lymphoid tissues that help fight infections in the back of your throat. This is why they get big when you have “tonsillitis”. If the tonsils need to come out, there is still plenty of lymphoid tissue to fight infections in your throat.
Surgery: The surgery takes about a half-hour under general anesthesia and can be either an outpatient or an inpatient procedure. After surgery you will be taken to the recovery room for 1-2 hours and then sent home with medication to control the pain.
Postoperative Expectations/Instructions:
- Discomfort: Adults will experience a sore throat for up to 2 weeks, while children usually only experience a sore throat for the first 3-4 days. You will be given a liquid narcotic pain medication or a pill that may be crushed or dissolved in water. Typically children should stay out of school for a 1-week minimum due to discomfort and hydration issues. Adults may require up to 2 weeks off from work or school.
- Diet: Hydration is the most important concern after surgery. Encourage your child to drink plenty of liquids. We recommend avoiding chips and taco shells that have pointed edges that may cause pain or bleeding for the first week. Use cool, soft foods such as: ice cream, yogurt, jello, or pudding. Citrus products may cause discomfort. If your child doesn’t want to eat solid foods initially, that is okay.
- Bleeding: Avoid aspirin and ibuprofen for two weeks as this may cause bleeding. Cold ice water will help keep bleeding under control. You may expect some blood-tinged sputum within the first 2 days postoperatively. If more than 2 tablespoons of bright red blood is seen within a 1 hour span, contact our office. Any brisk bleeding, recurrent/persistent oozing demands an immediate call. This may require some more instructions or a trip to the Emergency Room. If major bleeding occurs, go to your nearest emergency facility.
- Activity: You will be allowed to perform only light activities for 2 weeks - no sports or lifting over 10 pounds.
- Ice: An ice pack placed over the neck may decrease pain and may be used as needed for the first 3 days.
- Ear pain: This is not uncommon and is related to the healing process. It usually occurs on the 3rd or 4th day postoperatively.
- Fevers: Low grade fevers, less than 101.5° F, are not uncommon. Fever of 102° F or higher should be reported to the physician.
- Neck stiffness: Especially common after adenoidectomy. This is due to the adenoids being right next to the muscles that allow neck movement. This should only be of concern if it is associated with a temperature of 102° F or higher.
- Follow-up: Office follow-up is typically in one month. This visit is done to make sure that everything is healing well. Remember; please call with any problems, questions, or concerns.
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