Risks

The largest risk is bleeding; follow the included instructions to

lessen this risk. Some temporary nasal regurgitation with eating
and drinking are common. In most cases, this resolves within 3-
4 weeks. If the tonsils and adenoids are very large, expect the
voice to have a different quality due to the throat having more
space. Additionally, throat infection can still occur, though the
likelihood is lower now that the tonsils have been removed.

Meet the Doctors

Stan E. Potocki, M.D.
Texas Tech University
Health Sciences Center School of Medicine
1994

Thomas F. Neal, M.D., P.A.

Oregon Health and Science University
School of Medicine
1971

Board Certified Otolaryngology

Tonsillectomy
&
Adenoidectomy
Information

Specialties
Ear, Nose, and Throat
Laser Surgery
Hearing Testing
Hearing Aids
Office
nd
3621 22 Street
Suite 300

Luddock, TX 79410

T: (806) 792-5331
F: (806 792-9417

Recovery
Timeframe
The recovery period varies by age. Severe discomfort may last:
v 4 - 7 days for children 10 and younger.
v Up to 2 weeks for adults.
Adults may experience some soreness of the throat for up to
one month.
Patients should plan on staying at home for at least one week
following surgery.

Medicine
If a patient has his or her tonsils removed, they can expect to
be given a pain medicine containing Tylenol and synthetic
codeine. Otherwise, the patient will be given aspirin.

Medicine Information
v Medication will not completely relieve pain.
v Follow warnings for 2 weeks.
v Lower doses as pain subsides. This will decrease the
likelihood of constipation or nausea.
v You may substitute Tylenol in place of your
medication. DO NOT combine Tylenol and the pain
medication you are given.

What to avoid
Avoid strenuous activity, such as exercise, for 2 weeks after
surgery. Activities such as going to the mall, seeing a movie,
and being outside are fine as long as it is not hot outside.

What To Expect
Food
Due to the difficulty of swallowing food, patients should plan on having a
liquid diet for several days after surgery. While it may be painful to
swallow, it is important that patients consume liquids to prevent
dehydration. Dehydration can lead to hospitalization, as well as, other
complications.
To reduce pain, it is advised to consume liquids 30 - 45 minutes after your
pain medication. Milk products may irritate the throat.
Once food can be tolerated, patients should only consume soft foods.
Due to the risk of dislodging scabs in the back of the throat, this should
continue until 14 days have passed since surgery.

Common Problems
v Drops of blood from the nose and blood mixed with saliva in
the mouth are normal for 2 weeks. Call if more than this
amount is encountered, as this can represent an emergency
v Vomiting in the first 24 hours after surgery will commonly
contain blood clots. Call if a clot is seen in vomit after this
time. If experiencing nausea, the antibiotic can be skipped for
a dose.
v Expect a low-grade fever (up to 101.5) for the first week. This
needs no medication.
v Expect ear pain that radiates from the throat for up to 2
weeks.

Sweet Relief
To ease pain while staying
hydrated, we recommend
water-based Popsicles.