The tonsils are removed through the mouth so there is no incision (cut) or outside scars; bleeding is stopped by cauterising (sealing off with heat) the small blood vessels or tying them off with the threads. These threads will fall off on their own. There will be a white coating where the tonsils used to be – this is a normal and healthy appearance after tonsil surgery and not related to an infection.
Food and drink
A normal diet should be resumed as soon as possible, with no restrictions. This will help keep the mouth and throat clear and free from infection and there is less chance of bleeding. Ensure your child stays hydrated throughout the day and encourage them to have a drink with every meal. Cold drinks and ice lollies may help to reduce pain and soothe the throat. Fizzy and citrus drinks may be difficult to tolerate in the initial recovery period.
Pain
You will have a sore throat that may last for up to 2 weeks and can be very painful. The pain may also be felt in the ears – this is normal.
You will be provided with paracetamol and ibuprofen for the first week, unless your child is not allowed to take these medications. It is best to stagger giving these so they work most effectively, but they can also be safely taken together.
You may also be given Difflam spray as a rescue pain killer and can be helpful to use before food to encourage your child to eat.
Do not give your child aspirin as it unsafe to use in children under 16 and may cause bleeding.
The pain may unfortunately increase and be at its worst between days 3 to 7. Continue regular use of pain killers and encourage your child to eat and drink but if the pain is unmanageable at home and they refuse to eat and drink, please bring them back to hospital (A&E).
Signs of dehydration include dry mouth, decreased urination, dark urine, sunken eyes, tiredness and dry skin.
Bleeding
Bleeding following surgery can present in the form of fresh blood, clots or pink saliva. A small, self-limiting bleed may precede a larger bleed; therefore medical attention should be sought after any episode of bleeding. In this case, please return to your nearest A&E department.
Bleeding can occur up to 2 weeks after the operation and in most cases is due to an infection, which can be caused by not regularly eating and drinking. Rarely, a further operation may be needed to stop the bleeding.
Infection
The best way to prevent infection is to resume normal eating and drinking as soon as possible.
Signs of infection can include: fever, bleeding, sudden increased pain.
If you start developing signs of infection, please attend A&E or contact your GP.
School and nursery
It is advisable to take 2 weeks off school and nursery. They should rest at home and stay away from large crowds and anyone with a cough or cold.
Exercise and swimming should also be avoided for the first 2 weeks.
Other points
- After the operation, it is advisable to stay within 45 minutes away from an A&E department – please let us know if this is not feasible.
- Change in taste and voice may occur after the operation but these tend to resolve over time.
- Damage to the teeth, gums and lips may occur due to the use of instruments used to keep the mouth open during surgery – please let us know if your child has any loose teeth.
- Ensure normal teeth brushing and oral hygiene is resumed as soon as possible.
- Normally no follow-up appointments are needed but we will inform you if we would like to see your child again.
Any further questions?
Please contact
Ward 26- Hedgehog Ward
Day Case Surgery Unit for Paediatrics
4th Floor, Surgical Block
Contact via switchboard, 01582 491166, ext 2400