POSTS OP INSTRUCTIONS THROAT

Tonsillectomy, Tonsillectomy & Adenoidectomy, Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty)

* Tonsillectomy & Adenoidectomy will be referred to as “T&A”

* Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty will be referred to as “UPPP”

AFTER YOUR OPERATION YOU WILL EXPERIENCE:

• A severe sore throat and difficulty swallowing

• The soreness will last for 7 – 10 days for “T&A”; soreness for 10 – 14 days for “UPPP”

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AFTER YOUR OPERATION YOU MAY EXPERIENCE

A temporary nasal tone in your voice and a temporary nasal regurgitation of fluids

PAIN:   TAKE THE MEDICINES AS PRESCRIBED:

1. Tylenol (Acetaminophen) – As directed on the bottle.

Tylenol should be the first medication you start and the last one you stop using.

2. CELEBREX (Celecoxib) – One tablet every 12 hours (or twice daily) for 7 days

3. Lyrica(Pregabalin) – One pill every 12 hours (or twice daily) for 7 days

4. Nucynta (Tapentadol) – One or two tablets every 4 hours as needed.

5. Apply an ice collar to your neck as needed during the first 48 hours

DIET:    A HIGH VOLUME OF FLUID INTAKE IS THE MOST IMPORTANT ASPECT OF YOUR EARLY RECOVERY

Liquid ONLY for the first day or two; water, apple juice, ginger ale, ice cream, popsicles

Keep a bottle of water by your side at all times and take sips every 20 to 30 minutes (this keeps the area clean and lubricated – helps with sore throat).  

Keep a bottle of water by your bedside and take sips every ½ to one hour (this keeps the area clean and lubricated helping with sore throat – continue this for 5 nights. You’ll want to sleep through the night on the 4th night…don’t!  Keep up the water drinking for 5 nights. 

Increase to a “soft” diet as tolerated; eggs, yogurt, blended foods, etc.

Return to a normal diet as tolerated

AVOID PHYSICAL EXERCISE FOR 2 WEEKS FOLLOWING YOUR OPERATION

POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS:

FEVER

A transient/brief fever is normal

If you have a fever which lasts more than 6 hours or does not “break” with the use of Tramacet, call the office.

BLEEDING

Occasional streaks of blood can be seen in the saliva/spit, this is normal; increase your fluid intake

If you experience continuous bleeding of bright red blood from the mouth, proceed to the Emergency Department of the Ottawa Hospital (Civic or General Campus)

AFTER HOURS ADVICE:

The office phone is not answered after regular office hours or on weekends. If you have questions or concerns that arise after office hours or on weekends, save them until the next business day. My staff and I will be happy to address any concerns you may have at that time.

IF YOU FEEL YOUR SITUATION IS URGENT, CALL THE OTTAWA HOSPITAL SWITCHBOARD @613 – 798-5555. INTRODUCE YOURSELF AS ONE OF MY PATIENTS AND ASK TO SPEAK WITH THE “E.N.T. DOCTOR ON CALL”.  BE PATIENT, YOU MAY HAVE TO WAIT BY THE PHONE UNTIL THE PHYSICIAN ON CALL DEALS WITH OTHER PATIENTS IN THE HOSPITAL BEFORE GETTING BACK TO YOU.