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 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 to keep the mouth and throat clear and free from infection and there is less chance of bleeding. Stay hydrated throughout the day and try to have a drink with every meal.
Cold drinks and ice lollies may help to reduce pain and soothe the throat. Fizzy and citrus drink may be difficult to tolerate in the initial recovery period. Avoid hot and spicy foods as this may also be irritating.
Chewing gum may delay resumption of a normal diet and increase post-operative pain and should therefore be avoided.
Smoking and alcohol should be avoided for two weeks post-operatively.
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 contraindicated. It is best to stagger giving these so work most effectively, but you can also safely take them together at the same time.
You may also be given Codeine and Difflam spray as rescue pain killers and can be helpful to use before food to encourage you to eat.
Do not use aspirin as this can increase risks of bleeding.
The pain may unfortunately increase and be at its worst between days 3 to 7. Continue regular use of pain killers but if the paid is unmanageable and you are not able to eat and drink despite regular pain killers, please return to hospital (A&E) for hydrational support.
Signs of dehydration include dry mouth, decreased urination, dark urine, sunken eye, tiredness and dry skin.
Bleeding
Bleeding following surgery can present in the form of fresh blood, clots of pink saliva. A small, self-limiting bleed may precede a larger bleed; therefore medical attention should be sought after any episode of fresh bright red 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 in 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.
Work
It is advisable to take 2 weeks off work. You should rest at home and stay away from anyone with a cough or a cold. Avoid crowded and smokey areas (such as pubs and nightclubs)
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.
- Avoid driving for the first 24 hours – you will need someone to take you home and be looked after.
- Change in taste and voice may occur after 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 you have 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 you again.
Any further questions?
Please contact
Surgical Short Stay Unit (SSSU)
Luton & Dunstable University Hospital
01582 497511
Extensions: 8848, 7569, 2181