SOUTHWESTERN EAR, NOSE & THROAT

SANTA FE OFFICE: 982-4848

SURGERY CENTER: 982-7761

Dr. David Brown     Dr. Paul Kaufman     Dr. Peter Shepard     Dr. Thomas Thomason

TONSILLECTOMY AND/OR ADENOIDECTOMY

Your doctor has recommended that you have a tonsillectomy and/or adenoidectomy surgery.  This surgery is suggested when there are chronic throat infections involving the tonsils and adenoids, or the tonsils are so large they cause a blockage of the throat or airway.  These procedures will be performed at a Same Day Surgery Center under general anesthesia and you will be able to go home about 1 hour after surgery.

The following BEFORE and AFTER instructions can help you obtain the best possible results from your surgery.  If you have any questions, please call one of the nurses. Make sure all of your questions are answered before surgery!!!

BEFORE SURGERY

1.                  Tell your doctor all the medications and herbal supplements you are taking.  This includes both prescription and over the counter medications.

If your primary physician/specialist has placed you on aspirin, Plavix or Coumadin please inform your surgeon for specific instructions.

2.                  If you develop a cold or any other infection during the two weeks prior to surgery, please notify our office immediately.  The doctor may or may not prescribe an antibiotic instead of postponing your surgery.

3.                  Plan to spend 10-14 days away from work or school after surgery.  This time frame is provided as a guideline since each individual’s recovery time will vary.  Please postpone out of town plans for two weeks after surgery.

NIGHT BEFORE SURGERY

¨      DO NOT EAT OR DRINK ANYTHING AFTER MIDNIGHT UNLESS INSTRUCTED TO DO SO BY THE ANESTHESIOLOGIST.   IF YOU EAT OR DRINK AFTER MIDNIGHT, YOUR SURGERY WILL BE CANCELLED!!!  Continue to drink fluids up until midnight.  You will feel much better on the day of surgery.

¨      Remove all nail polish, make-up and jewelry (watches, earrings,  all body piercings, necklaces, etc).

¨      Get a good night’s rest.

¨      Wear loose comfortable clothing.

Arrange to have a responsible adult drive you to the surgery center and stay with you at home on the night of your surgery.  That person MUST stay in the waiting room until you have been discharged back to them.  (You are NOT allowed to drive yourself home)

AFTER SURGERY

After surgery you may go home with a sore throat and pain on swallowing.  You should expect to have a sore throat for one to four weeks.  You could experience a low-grade fever of 99.0 – 101.0 F.  You may also notice some white patches in the back of your throat.  These are the scabs from where the tonsils were removed.  Try to prevent coughing or clearing of the throat.  Throat lozenges and/or hard candy may be used to keep the throat moist. 

Bleeding can be a serious complication and is most likely to occur 7 - 12 days after surgery.  At this time, it is expected that a small amount of bleeding may be experienced (1-2 teaspoons).  Usually the bleeding stops and there is no further difficulty.  If bleeding continues, begin repeating ice water or brewed tea gargles and call your doctor.

You may experience ear pain after surgery.  This is referred pain from your throat.  This often occurs about the time the scabs disappear from the back of your throat.

Bad breath is normal after this surgery, brushing your teeth and swishing with mouthwash is okay.  Gargling is not allowed for two weeks!

Medications:

¨      ANTIBIOTICS: Your physician may or may not prescribe an antibiotic. If you are given a prescription, please take it as directed until you finish the supply.  This is important in wound healing and in preventing infection.  You will NOT need a refill.

¨      PAIN MEDICATION: The pain medication that is prescribed is usually Tylenol based with a narcotic, so you may experience some drowsiness.  You should not go to work or school, nor drive a car as long as you are taking the pain medication.  Your pain medication should be taken as directed, but do not exceed the prescribed dose.  If severe pain persists, please call the office.

YOU MUST EAT A LITTLE SOMETHING BEFORE YOU TAKE YOUR PAIN MEDICATION, IF NOT YOU WILL PROBABLY VOMIT. Suggestions: Yogurt, applesauce, Saltine Crackers in Broth.

¨      ANTI-NAUSEA MEDICATION: You may or may not have been given a prescription for suppositories to alleviate the nausea.  If you were not given a prescription and you experience nausea and/or vomiting, please call the office.

¨      Avoid alcoholic beverages as long as you are taking prescription medications.

¨      Please follow instructions given to you by your surgeon regarding Aspirin, Plavix or Coumadin.

¨      Refills must be approved by your doctor.  Plan ahead and allow the office 48 hours to refill your prescription.  Be sure to mention any drug allergies, as well as the name and location of the pharmacy at the time of your refill request.

ACTIVITIES AND COMFORT MEASURES:

¨      Bedrest, with head slightly elevated on 2-3 pillows is encouraged for the first couple of days.

¨      An ice pack to your throat can bring some relief and help with swelling.

¨      You may take a bath or shower at any time.

¨      During the first 7 – 12 days, quiet indoor activities are recommended.

¨      NO heavy lifting, straining, athletic activities or sports for 2 weeks.  DO NOT stay bent over for prolonged periods.

¨      You may use a humidifier at night while you are sleeping.

¨      A low-grade fever of 99.9-101.0 F is common.  To help control your fever, drink plenty of fluids.  If the fever exceeds 101.5, call the office.

DIET:

¨      Slowly progress to a soft diet as tolerated. Soft foods include pasta, eggs, potatoes and bread.  Avoid foods like pizza, potato chips and toast and other scratchy foods for at least two weeks.  Your fluid intake is very important throughout your recovery.

¨      You may want to keep a drink at your bedside to help clear your mouth.  You can use a straw if you like.

FOLLOW UP APPOINTMENT:

A post op telephone call will be made in 3-6 weeks.  If you feel an appointment is needed, please call the office at982-4848 to request appointment with your doctor.

REASONS TO CALL YOUR DOCTOR:

¨      Fever of 101.5 degrees or greater.

¨      Increased bleeding or drainage from the nose or mouth.

¨      Severe pain not relieved by medication.

¨      Vomiting 2 or more times in one day, after the first 24 hours.

¨      Difficulty breathing or swallowing.

¨      Welts, Hives or Rashes that appear after taking prescription medication(s).