Patient Information & Education
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Adenoidectomy
Care After Surgery

After an adenoidectomy, it is important to follow these instructions to ensure a smooth and optimal recovery. Please call (972) 402-8404 if you have questions or concerns. It would be helpful to have a pharmacy telephone number ready in case a prescription is required.

• A follow-up appointment should be made for 2 to 3 weeks after surgery. It is preferable to stay in town until this visit.
  
• Diet should begin with liquids and gradually be normalized 1-2 days after surgery. Fluids should be encouraged, especially in children.
  
• Strenuous activity should be avoided. Most patients can return to day care, school, or work the day after surgery.

Common Symptoms After Surgery

• Anesthesia may cause fatigue, sleepiness, and nausea. Children may be irritable, fussy, and tug at their ears. If pain medication has not been prescribed, Tylenol may be used to ease the discomfort.
  
• Nausea/vomiting may occur as a result of anesthesia and/or pain medications. This usually improves within 24-48 hours after surgery. If vomiting occurs, avoid all food and liquids for a two to three hours, then begin slowly with ice chips and then clear liquids (Sprite, Gatorade, clear juices). If vomiting persists, call the office to speak with a nurse or physician.
  
• Fever often occurs because of a pre-existing infection. If not already taking a prescription pain medication, use Tylenol for children to make them more comfortable. If the fever persists over 102 degrees despite use of Tylenol, call the office for further instructions. If your physician has written a prescription for antibiotics, be certain to finish the course of medications.
  
• Foul-Smelling breath is a common finding for 7 to 14 days after adenoidectomy. Nasal drainage until the adenoid site has completely healed is also not uncommon for up to two weeks after surgery.
  
• Pain may occur in the neck, throat, nose or top of the head. This occurs often because of referred pain caused by a swelling at the adenoidectomy site. The prescribed pain medication or Tylenol should be used as needed. If pain is persistent, call the office for further instructions.
  
• Change in voice, such as a nasal voice (talking through the nose) is usually temporary and is caused by swelling and stiffness of the roof of the mouth. If this persists, please call this to the attention of the physician at the follow-up visit.
  
• Bleeding may manifest as a nosebleed or coughing/vomiting of blood. Squirt Afrin Nasal spray (an over-the-counter medicine found in all pharmacies) Avoid strenuous activity and maintain elevation of the head. These maneuvers will usually be effective in stopping most nosebleeds.

If bleeding persists, notify your physician immediately.