Tonsillectomy

Instructions for Post Operative Care

PATIENT SHOULD HAVE NOTHING TO EAT OR DRINK FROM MIDNIGHT (12:00) PRIOR TO SURGERY DATE

1. Liquid and soft diet. Limited milk products or dairy products for one week. Ices and sherbets are recommended as well as apple juice with ice chips. Avoid citrus drinks.
2. Do not eat anything with sharp edges such as potato chips, pizza or pretzels.
3. Oral antibiotics if prescribed.
4. Tylenol or Tylenol with Codeine as necessary for pain. No aspirin or aspirin-containing compound such as Advil, Motrin, Nuprin, Naprosyn, etc. two weeks prior to and two weeks after surgery.
5. Encourage liquids. Soups should be cool and not hot.
6. Low grade temperatures up to 102 degrees are common. If temperature is above 102 degrees, notify Dr. Setzen.
7. Ear pain is common three to four days after surgery.
8. Nausea and vomiting are common for the first twenty-four to forty-eight hours. If this persists, notify Dr. Setzen. Vomitus may contain dark red blood, which is normal. Notify Dr. Setzen of any persistent bright red blood being spit out or coughed up.
9. Follow up appointment with Dr. Setzen in approximately one to two weeks.
10. Bad breath is common during the first week.
11. White discoloration of tonsil bed will be evident during first week.