Post-Operative Adenoidectomy Surgery Instructions

Adenoidectomy (Removal of the adenoids)

The adenoids are located behind the nose and hidden from view by the roof of the mouth. Frequent ear infections, nasal airway obstruction, or obstruction of the eustachian tube (a passage that connects the middle ear to the back of the throat) are some reasons for adenoidectomy.

General Instructions:

Medication

• Mild throat pain is to be expected after an adenoidectomy as well as some nasal congestion.
• You may administer children’s Tylenol® after surgery; please follow the dosing instructions on the bottle to ensure you do not over-dose your child. If the pain is so intense that it prevents your child from drinking, then administer the narcotic pain medication that was prescribed at surgery instead of the Tylenol®. Do NOT administer both pain medications simultaneously.
• Taking the medicine one-half hour before eating may help your child to be more comfortable while swallowing. The more your child swallows, the sooner the throat discomfort will disappear.

Diet

For an adenoidectomy alone, there are no restrictions in your child’s diet. All liquids and soft foods may be eaten as tolerated.

Rest

For an adenoidectomy alone, there are no restrictions in your child’s activity.

The Operative Site

Bad breath for up to two (2) weeks after surgery is common.

Return to School

Your child may return to school when you feel comfortable; generally, this is no more than one to three days after surgery.

Warning Signs

Fever up to 103° is not uncommon; for anything above this, please call the Office.

Exercises For Tonsillectomy/Adenoidectomy

Some children may use a nasal voice following surgery in an effort to avoid pain. This is caused by limiting movement of the muscles near the surgical site. These exercises are designed to help your child exercise those muscles in a fun way in order to regain maximum movement following surgery.

These exercises should begin before surgery and continue after surgery. Begin slowly (1 or 2 times each exercise once a day). Increase length of practice as tolerated by your child. Goal should be to practice 8-10 minutes twice a day.

• Blow bubbles
• Blow out candles
• Blow cotton balls across a table
• Blow a scarf off your face
• Say “ahh” and hold it as long as you can
• Say “eee” and hold it as long as you can
• Say “ahee” as many times as you can
• Say “coca-cola” five times
• Say “key, key, key” five times
• Blow up balloons (children 5 years and older)