Tonsils and Adenoids Post Operative Care

Tonsillectomy (+/− Adenoidectomy) — Post-Operative Instructions

This information is provided to help you understand what to expect after your surgery and to assist your recovery. Please read it carefully before your operation and keep it accessible at home during your recovery period.

What to Expect

What To Do — Day by Day

Hydration — the single most important instruction

Maintaining adequate fluid intake is the most important thing you can do during recovery. When dehydrated, the tonsillar wound becomes dry and more painful, increasing the risk of secondary haemorrhage and requiring hospital readmission for intravenous fluids. Aim to drink at least 2 litres of fluid per day. Take your pain relief 20–30 minutes before drinking or eating to make it more comfortable. If you are unable to drink for 24 hours, contact Dr Roth’s rooms or attend hospital.

Pain relief

You will be prescribed regular paracetamol and oxycodone. Both should be taken around the clock — every six hours — for the first five to seven days, then reduce as tolerated. Do not allow pain to build up before taking medication. Oxycodone may cause nausea in some patients; taking it with a small amount of food or with an anti-nausea tablet can help. Do not take ibuprofen or any other NSAID — these increase the risk of bleeding from the tonsil bed.

Diet

There is no specific dietary restriction after tonsillectomy — eat whatever is comfortable. Cold, soft foods (ice cream, yoghurt, smoothies, soup) are typically easiest in the first few days. Normal foods can be introduced as tolerated — some evidence suggests that soft foods slow healing by reducing mechanical debridement of the wound; however, the priority in the first week is eating and drinking enough, regardless of the texture.

Activity and rest

Rest at home for at least the first seven to ten days. Avoid all strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, and vigorous physical activity for three full weeks after surgery — this includes gym work, running, swimming, and contact sports. Physical exertion raises blood pressure and dramatically increases the risk of secondary haemorrhage.

Return to work

For desk-based or low-physical-demand work, most patients return at ten to fourteen days. For physical or manual work, three weeks from surgery is the minimum. Discuss your occupation with Dr Roth if you are uncertain.

Alcohol

Do not consume alcohol for at least two weeks after surgery. Alcohol increases bleeding risk and interacts with oxycodone. Do not take oxycodone and consume alcohol — this combination has led to serious respiratory complications.

Bleeding — Recognising and Responding

Follow-Up

A post-operative appointment is made for approximately two to four weeks following surgery. Please contact Dr Roth’s rooms earlier if you have concerns.