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Joondalup ENT|Post-Operative Information

Post-Operative Information

EAR

Post-surgery care

  • Your ear canal has not been tightly packed, which can be too uncomfortable. Therefore, blood will ooze from the canal for a few days. Simply compress this with gauze or cotton wool.
  • Often, a small cotton ball is inside the ear. If there is an ooze, you can replace the cotton ball as often as you wish. Under the cotton ball, there is a yellow gauze dressing. Please do not remove this.
  • Do not get water into the ear.
  • You may wear glasses.
  • The stitches are typically self-dissolving.
  • You can blow your nose after surgery.
  • Keep your head elevated as much as possible. For the first three nights, it is best to sleep and rest on 2 or 3 pillows.

Post-surgery symptoms

  • Some blood-tinged drainage from the ear canal is seen after ear surgery and is normal. If the drainage is copious or foul-smelling, call the office.
  • Some dizziness and nausea are common after surgery. This typically subsides on the second postoperative day.
  • During the healing process, popping sounds, a plugged sensation, ringing, or fluctuating hearing may be noticed in the ear.
  • For several days after surgery, the ear may feel plugged, and the hearing may seem muffled due to the packing in the ear canal. This will improve as the packing dissolves and is removed. If there seems to be a TOTAL loss of hearing (complete deafness) in the ear, call the office immediately or present to ED.

Follow up appointment

Unless otherwise instructed by the doctor, you should make an appointment to be seen 7-10 days after the surgery.

If you have any questions or concerns, please call the office on 08 9300 9800.

Post-surgery Care

  • Remove the gauze bandage the day after surgery. If there are Steri-strips on the wound in front of the ear, DO NOT remove them.
  • Your ear will ooze blood from the ear as the ear canal is not tightly packed. There is often a small cotton ball inside the ear. You can replace the cotton ball if there is an ooze. Under the cotton ball there is a yellow gauze dressing. Please do not remove this.
  • If you were given eardrops on the first day of surgery, apply them to the packing or sponge inside the ear canal. Often, the drops will not penetrate the packing and seem to dribble out. This is okay. Try to keep the packing moist with the drops twice a day until you see your doctor.
  • Do not get water into the ear. It is okay to shower, but place a piece of cotton coated with Vaseline into the ear canal when showering or washing your hair.
  • Some blood-tinged drainage from the ear canal is seen after ear surgery and is normal. If the drainage is copious or foul-smelling, call the office.
  • If the incision is in front of the ear, keep it dry for three days after surgery. The stitches are typically self-dissolving. 
  • Keep your head elevated as much as possible. For the first three nights, it is best to sleep and rest on 2 or 3 pillows.
  • Do not blow your nose for three weeks after surgery. If you must sneeze or cough, do so with your mouth open.
  • Do not perform any vigorous physical activity for four weeks after surgery. Do not travel by aeroplane or have dental work done for four weeks after surgery, and do not swim.

Post-surgery symptoms

  • Some dizziness and nausea are common after surgery. The vomiting typically subsides on the second postoperative day.
  • During the healing process, popping sounds, a plugged sensation, ringing, or fluctuating hearing may be noticed in the ear.
  • For several days after surgery, the ear may feel plugged, and the hearing may seem muffled due to the packing in the ear canal. This will improve as the packing dissolves and is removed. If there seems to be a TOTAL hearing loss (complete deafness) in the ear, call the office immediately or present to ED.

Follow up appointment

  • You should have an appointment to be seen 7-10 days after the surgery unless otherwise instructed by the doctor.
  • If you have any questions or concerns, please call the office on 08 9300 9800.

Post-surgery care

  • After surgery, you will be given antibiotic drops to use in the ear(s). Please use three drops per day in the operated ear for three days.
  • Try to keep the ears as dry as possible.
  • We recommend using earplugs while in the bath or swimming. Our office has properly fitted earplugs for recommended protection or extra precaution while swimming or bathing. An alternative to the ear plugs would be a cotton ball in the outer ear canal with Vaseline to make a seal.
  • Submerging your head under bath water is not recommended. Showering is preferable.

Follow up appointment

  • Your doctor will ring you in 2-3 weeks for a telephonic follow-up. If there are problems and you would like to be seen, we will b give you a follow-up appointment date to see the doctor 2-3 weeks post-surgery.
  • Generally, tubes will stay in place for 6–18 months unless long-term tubes are placed. If long-term tubes are needed, you will be informed before surgery.

When to call the office

  • You should call our office if you develop a FEVER GREATER THAN 38.5 degrees Celsius.
  • If you develop a low-grade (below 38.5) fever, you may take Panadol as directed by the manufacturer.
  • It is normal to have blood-tinged discharge that may occur for up to 3 days post-surgery.
  • If you notice drainage that smells and is crusting in and/or around the ear canal and persists for more than a week, please call the rooms on 08 9300 9800.

Post-surgery Care

  • Remove the gauze bandage the day after surgery. If there are Steri-strips on the wound behind the ear DO NOT remove this. Take the cotton ball out of the ear. There is often a small sponge inside the ear canal. Leave this in. You can replace the cotton ball if there is an ooze.
  • If eardrops have been prescribed, on the first day after surgery apply drops to the packing or sponge inside the ear canal. Often the drops will not penetrate into the packing and seem to dribble out. This is okay just try to keep the packing moist with the drops twice a day until you see your doctor.
  • Beginning on the second day after surgery, try to leave the cotton out of the ear as much as possible. If the ear is draining, replace the cotton as needed to keep from soiling your clothes.
  • Do not get water into the ear. It is okay to shower but place a piece of cotton coated with Vaseline into the ear canal when showering or washing your hair.
  • If there is an incision behind the ear, keep it dry for three days after surgery. The stitches are typically self-dissolving. If you have staples, these will be removed in the rooms at your post op visit.
  • Keep your head elevated as much as possible. For the first three nights it is best to sleep and rest on 2 or 3 pillows.
  • If you wear glasses, either remove the arm on the operated side or make sure that the glasses do not rest on the incision behind the ear for one week.
  • Do not blow your nose for three weeks after surgery. If you must sneeze or cough, do so with your mouth open.
  • For four weeks after surgery, do not lift anything heavier than 9 kilos, do not strain or bend over, or perform any vigorous physical activity. No airplane travel or dental work for four weeks after surgery.

Post-surgery symptoms

  • Some blood -tinged drainage from the ear canal is seen after ear surgery and is normal. If the drainage is copious or foul – smelling, call the office.
  • Some dizziness and nausea is common after surgery. The vomiting typically subsides on the second post-operative day.
  • Popping sounds, a plugged sensation, ringing or fluctuating hearing may be noticed in the ear during the healing process.
  • For several days after surgery, the ear may feel plugged and the hearing may seem very muffled due to packing in the ear canal. This will improve as the packing dissolves and is removed. If there seems to be a TOTAL loss of hearing (complete deafness) in the ear, call the office.
  • It is common to experience a metallic taste or sensation of tongue numbness after surgery. This is usually temporary but can last for several weeks to months. It is rarely permanent.

Follow up appointment

  • You should have an appointment to be seen 7–10 days after the surgery unless otherwise instructed by the doctor.
  • If you have any questions or concerns, please call the office on 08 9300 9800.

Post-surgery care

  • Remove the gauze bandage the day after surgery. If there are Steri-strips on the wound in front or behind the ear, DO NOT remove them. Take the cotton ball out of the ear. There is often a small sponge inside the ear canal. Leave this in. You can replace the cotton ball if there is an ooze.
  • The ear may ooze blood and an antibiotic ointment for a few days. This is normal, but if it oozes copiously, please call the rooms immediately or present to the ED
  • If you were given eardrops on the first day of surgery, apply them to the packing or sponge inside the ear canal. Often, the drops will not penetrate the packing and seem to dribble out. This is okay. Try to keep the packing moist with the drops twice a day until you see your doctor.
  • Do not get water into the ear. It is okay to shower, but place a piece of cotton coated with Vaseline into the ear canal when showering or washing your hair.
  • If an incision is behind or in front of the ear, keep it dry for three days after surgery. The stitches are typically self-dissolving. If you have staples, they will be removed in the rooms at your post-op visit.
  • Beginning on the second day after surgery, try to leave the cotton out of the ear as much as possible. If the ear is draining, replace the cotton as needed to keep from soiling your clothes.
  • Keep your head elevated as much as possible. For the first three nights, it is best to sleep and rest on 2 or 3 pillows.
  • Do not blow your nose for three weeks after surgery. If you must sneeze or cough, do so with your mouth open.
  • For four weeks after surgery, do not lift anything heavier than 9 kilos, do not strain or bend over, or perform any vigorous physical activity. No aeroplane travel or dental work for four weeks after surgery.

Post-surgery symptoms

  • Some blood-tinged drainage from the ear canal is seen after ear surgery and is normal. If the drainage is copious or foul-smelling, call the office.
  • Some dizziness and nausea are common after surgery. The vomiting typically subsides on the second postoperative day.
  • During the healing process, popping sounds, a plugged sensation, ringing, or fluctuating hearing may be noticed in the ear.
  • For several days after surgery, the ear may feel plugged, and the hearing may seem muffled due to the packing in the ear canal. This will improve as the packing dissolves and is removed. If there seems to be a TOTAL loss of hearing (complete deafness) in the ear, call the office.
  • It is common to experience a metallic taste or a sensation of tongue numbness after surgery. This is usually temporary and can last several weeks to months. It is rarely permanent.

Follow-up appointment

  • You should have an appointment to be seen 7-10 days after the surgery unless otherwise instructed by the doctor.
  • If you have any questions or concerns, please call the office on 08 9300 9800.

Post-surgery Care

  • Remove the gauze bandage the day after surgery. If there are Steri-strips on the wound behind the ear DO NOT remove this. Take the cotton ball out of the ear. There is often a small sponge inside the ear canal. Leave this in. You can replace the cotton ball if there is an ooze.
  • If you have been given eardrops, on the first day of surgery apply them to the packing or sponge inside the ear canal. Often the drops will not penetrate into the packing and seem to dribble out. This is okay, just try to keep the packing moist with the drops twice a day until you see your doctor.
  • Beginning on the second day after surgery, try to leave the cotton out of the ear as much as possible. IF the ear is draining, replace the cotton as needed to keep from soiling your clothes.
  • Do not get water into the ear. It is okay to shower but place a piece of cotton coated with Vaseline into the ear canal when showering or washing your hair.
  • If there is an incision behind the ear, keep it dry for three days after surgery. The stitches are typically self-dissolving. If you have staples, these will be removed in the rooms at your post op visit.
  • Keep your head elevated as much as possible. For the first three nights it is best to sleep and rest on 2 or 3 pillows.
  • If you wear glasses, either remove the arm on the operated side or make sure that the glasses do not rest on the incision behind the ear for one week.
  • For four weeks after surgery, do not lift anything heavier than 9 kilos, do not strain or bend over, or perform any vigorous physical activity. No airplane travel or dental work for four weeks after surgery.
  • Do not blow your nose for three weeks after surgery. If you must sneeze or cough, do so with your mouth open.

Post-surgery 

  • Some blood-tinged drainage from the ear canal is seen after ear surgery and is normal.  If the drainage is copious or foul-smelling, call the office.
  • Some dizziness and nausea is common after surgery. The vomiting typically subsides on the second post-operative day.
  • Popping sounds, a plugged sensation, ringing or fluctuating hearing may be noticed in the ear during the healing process.
  • For several days after surgery, the ear may feel plugged and the hearing may seem very muffled due to packing in the ear canal. This will improve as the packing dissolves and is removed.  If there seems to be a TOTAL loss of hearing (complete deafness) in the ear, call the office.
  • It is common to experience a metallic taste or sensation of tongue numbness after surgery. This is usually temporary but can last for several weeks to months. It is rarely permanent.

Follow up appointment

  • You should have an appointment to be seen 7-10 days after the surgery unless otherwise instructed by the doctor.
  • If you have any questions or concerns, please call the office on 08 9300 9800.

Post surgery care

  • Remove the dressing on the day after the surgery. Take the band-aid off and remove the cotton ball. There is often a small sponge inside the ear canal.  Leave this in.
  • Change the cotton ball as needed to catch any blood draining from the ear. Some drainage is normal after surgery. If it becomes profuse or foul-smelling, call the office.
  • Beginning on the second day after surgery, try to leave the cotton out of the ear as much as possible. If the ear is draining, replace the cotton as needed to keep blood from running onto your neck and clothes.
  • Do not get water into the ear canal for four to six weeks after surgery. When showering or washing your hair, place a piece of cotton coated with Vaseline into the ear canal to prevent water from entering the canal.
  • The small incision in front of the ear should be kept dry for three to five days after surgery. The doctor will remove the stitches at your post-operative visit.
  • Keep your head elevated as much as possible. Sleep and rest on two or three pillows for the first three nights.
  • Do not blow your nose for three weeks after surgery. If you must sneeze or cough, do so with your mouth open.
  • For four weeks after surgery, do not lift anything heavier than 9 kilos, do not strain or bend over, or perform any vigorous physical activity. No aeroplane travel or dental work for at least eight weeks after surgery.

Post-surgery 

  • Some MILD dizziness and nausea are normal for three days after surgery.
  • If YOU ARE VOMITING or the dizziness becomes severe, call the office immediately or text a message on the mobile number you were provided. It is normal to experience mild dizziness when moving your head for several weeks after surgery.
  • Immediately after surgery, the ear may feel very plugged, and the hearing may be very muffled due to packing in the ear canal. Improvement in hearing is not expected for four to six weeks after surgery.
  • If there seems to be a TOTAL loss of hearing (complete deafness) after surgery, call the office immediately.
  • Popping sounds, echoing, a plugged sensation, ringing or fluctuating hearing may be noticed during the healing process.
  • It is common to experience a metallic taste or sensation of tongue numbness after surgery. This is usually temporary but can last for several weeks to months. It is rarely permanent.

Follow up appointment

  • You should have an appointment to be seen 7–10 days after the surgery unless otherwise instructed by the doctor.
  • If you have any questions or concerns, please call the office on 08 9300 9800 as soon as possible.
  • If you cannot reach anyone on a weekend or after-hours, please attend the Emergency Department at any public hospital.

Post-surgery Care

  • Leave the bandage in place. If the bandage slips off the head, snug it down and put it back in place. Remove the bandage after 24 hours.
  • You may shower and wash your hair carefully, but the incision must be kept dry for 10 days. After 10 days, it is okay to wet the incision.

Post-surgery

  • Some dizziness, nausea and imbalance may be experienced after surgery.
  • It's normal to feel a little unsteady on your feet for the first week. You may experience vertigo  ( a sensation of spinning) when you get up suddenly. Take it easy for the first few days

Follow up appointments

  • You will have been given a follow-up appointment to see the doctor 7-10 days after surgery. At this visit, stitches, if necessary, will be removed.
  • You should have an appointment with the audiologist four weeks after surgery for your initial stimulation (turn-on).
  • If you have any questions or concerns, please call the office immediately on 08 9300 9800.

Post-surgery care

  • Leave the bandage in place. If the bandage slips off the head, snug it down and put it back in place. Remove the bandage after 24 hours. Depending on the type of implant you have had, there may be nothing on the skin surface, or there may be a white healing cap and square white dressing. Please leave this in place. Hair can be washed, but dressing must be kept dry and in place.

First follow-up – one week after surgery

  • Hair may be washed on the morning of the appointment. It is okay if the dressing becomes damp. The doctor will remove the dressing, clean the wound, and reapply the dressing. Hair can continue to be washed, but the dressing must be kept dry.

Second follow-up – two weeks after surgery

  • The doctor will remove the stitches and clean the wound. Hair may be washed. If the healing is complete, no further dressing should be necessary.

Audiologist appointment

  • You should have an appointment with the audiologist after surgery to attach the speech processor.

Patient cleaning routine – two to five weeks after surgery

  • During weeks 2 – 5 following surgery, if you have had an implant that sticks through the skin (abutment), clean around the titanium abutment daily with gentle soap and water or baby wipes. Dry the skin carefully.

Five weeks after surgery

  • You should begin to clean around the abutment with a soft cleaning brush and gentle soap. This should be done daily or at least 2 – 3 times per week.

NOSE

What can you expect in the 14 days after this operation that is “NORMAL”.

  • The inside of your nose will feel blocked, swollen and sensitive and your sense of smell may be temporarily affected.

  • Tingling and numbness in the tip of the nose and front teeth due to internal swelling.

  • There may be sutures inside the front of the nose. These are dissolvable and do not need to be removed. They are really small but because your nose is sensitive, they may feel relatively large. Please do not pull on these or try to remove them. This can affect the outcome of your operation.

  • Do not be alarmed at what comes out of your nose. Often there is dissolvable sponge like packing that when mixed with dry blood and secretions can appear very strange.

  • Mild to moderately severe sinus pressure headache and discomfort (particularly between the eyes).

  • Thick blood-tinged mucous (clots) in the nose and throat that may persist for up to 2 weeks after surgery.

  • Elevation of body temperature ranging from 37.5 – 38.5 degree Celsius for 1-4 days.

  • Allow 4-6 weeks for internal nasal/sinus feeling to return to normal.

Post-operative directions

  • Arrange for transportation to take you home from the hospital.

  • Please do not “fiddle” with your finger inside your nose.

  • Gently apply ice packs over the nose and affected sinuses for initial 24 hours post-surgery (15 minutes on/30 minutes off).

  • We recommend giving prescription pain medication every four hours for the first 24 hours, then as needed after the 24 hour period.

  • Start antibiotics (if prescribed) the day after surgery and continue taking for the full 7 days.

  • Elevate head with pillows for 2 hours at a time.

  • Avoid any lifting (over 7kg MAX), bending, pulling or straining activities for 2 weeks following surgery.

  • After 2-3 days, you may blow your nose very gently.

    It is recommended you use the following type of application for your nose;

1. A saline wash bottle/douche that will give you great relief and prevent crusting and scar formation

  • Begin the sinus saline irrigation with the sachets that are added to the bottle the day after surgery.

         Do this 2 to 3 times daily for 2 to 3 weeks.

         For your convenience, irrigation and spray packs are available for purchase from the Joondalup rooms

  • If your nose bleeds excessively, sit forward and pinch the nostrils closed AT THE FRONT OF YOUR NOSE. Wait at least 10 minutes for the bleeding to stop. DO NOT BLOW YOUR NOSE AFTER THIS for a few hours, as you will dislodge the clots and restart the bleeding. If this does not help, please go immediately to your nearest emergency department.

Follow-up appointment

You will have been given an appointment to see your doctor for a post-operative visit and review between 7–10 days after your operation.

THROAT

What is a tongue-tie?

  • Everyone has a small band of tissue (frenulum) that attaches from the undersurface of the front part of the tongue to the floor of the mouth. When this band is very short, it can limit the natural movement of the tongue, and it is called a tongue tie. It occurs in 1 in 20 babies and is more common in boys.
  • If your baby has a tongue tie, it may sometimes cause breastfeeding problems. These problems include difficulty with latching and persistent nipple pain. Interestingly, a tongue tie may cause no problems at all. If it is very thick and markedly short, it can limit your baby’s ability to push its tongue out and lick its lips and may affect its speech development later in life. These severe tongue ties are rare.

Releasing or repairing a tongue-tie (frenotomy)

  • Your paediatrician and lactation consultant may have diagnosed a tongue-tie due to problems you may have with breastfeeding, latching and nipple pain. The tongue-tie release is a very simple, almost painless procedure that takes a few seconds. Complications are rare. A tiny amount of local anesthetic is sprayed in your baby’s mouth, and the tongue tie is released with sharp scissors.
  • You can breastfeed immediately afterwards, and your baby will not feel any discomfort. As a neonate, this procedure is done under local anesthetic in the ward or doctor’s rooms, but when your baby is older than three months, it will require a general anesthetic.

What to do after a tongue-tie

  • As with all medical procedures, there are always different opinions. Some believe that massaging the floor of the mouth under the tongue before each feed prevents the tongue tie from re-attaching or developing. In contrast, others feel that this exercise is not necessary. A reoccurrence of a tongue-tie is rare.

Classification of tongue-tie: Should we have it released?

  • Tongue–ties are graded as mild, moderate and severe, and the fibrous band is either thick or thin.
  • If your paediatrician and lactation consultant have recommended a frenotomy, I strongly advise you to consider their advice. Bear in mind that you may hear conflicting advice because some people believe that this procedure is totally unnecessary.

Complications

  • These are extremely rare. Immediately after the procedure, you may notice a tiny bit of blood in your baby’s mouth. This is normal.
  • If you are concerned about any problem related to the procedure, please get in touch with me immediately.

Adenoidectomy is the removal of the adenoids. The adenoids are pads of tissue located behind the nose in the top of the throat (tonsils of the nose). The surgery is less commonly performed in adults in whom the adenoid is much smaller and less active than it is in children.

Energy and activity

  • Following surgery, your child may lack energy for several days and may also be restless at night. This will improve over three to four days after the adenoidectomy.
  • Your child should rest at home for the first 24 hours. Activity may increase as strength returns. Generally children return to school two to three days after the surgery. 
  • Your doctor will advise you of any activity restrictions. During the first two to three days children should be kept out of larger groups where they are more likely to contract a viral illness.

Food and drink

  • It is important that your child drinks plenty of fluids for the first three days. Begin by offering you child clear liquids the day of surgery. Clear liquids might include apple juice, soft drink, jelly or ice blocks. 
  • Many children begin eating a light diet the first day of surgery. These foods may include soups, potatoes, bananas, eggs and applesauce. Your child can eat a normal diet when he/she feels ready. Your doctor will notify you of any diet restrictions.

Post-surgery

  • If there is excessive bleeding via the nose or throat after the operation, please present to ED immediately
  • There may be a minimal trickle of bleeding from the nose. If the bleeding if profuse, sit your child upright and squeeze the nose.
  • Is it not unusual for your child to feel sick after an adenoidectomy?
  • If vomiting persists for over 6 hours – contact the office on 9300 9800.
  • Your child may experience a mild sore throat or headache for two to three days that can be relieved by Panadol or Nurofen. Do not use Aspirin. If your child has been using a prescribed narcotic pain medication, do not give additional Panadol unless you check with your doctor.
  • Bad breath is very common due to the healing of the back of the throat. Your child may gargle with a mild salt-water solution to improve the bad breath (mix ½ teaspoon of table salt with 250 ml of warm tap water). Your child may also chew gum. Some children mouth breathe or snore during the recovery period due to swelling. Propping your child up with pillows may lessen the snoring.
  • It is normal for a child to have a slight fever (38 degrees Celsius) for the first few days following surgery. Have your child drink plenty of fluids and take Panadol to keep the fever down. If the fever is over 38.5 degrees Celsius – contact the office at 08 9300 9800.

Follow-up Appointment:

Your doctor will call you for 2 – 3 weeks post-surgery to check how everything is going. If there are any issues, an appointment will be made.

What you can expect in the 14 days after this operation that is "NORMAL"

  • Pain and discomfort in the throat especially when your mouth is dry after waking up in the morning or sleeping during the day. “A DRY THROAT IS A SORE THROAT”
  • Bad breath as the tonsil areas are raw before they heal.
  • The areas where the tonsils were removed will appear yellowish–white. This is normal as this is how “raw wounds” in the mouth heal. This is not an infection.
  • Your taste may be abnormal for a few weeks, and everything may taste “metallic”.
  • Earache – this is referred pain from your tonsils and jaws and NOT an ear infection.
  • Being tired and grumpy – the pain relief medication and effects of the operation can cause this.
  • Increased pain over several days; adjust pain medication as required.
  • Some medications may cause constipation. If this occurs, please purchase an over-the-counter laxative from your pharmacy.

What can you do to make your recovery easier?

Pain Control

  • Take your pain medication regularly and keep the pain under control. Do not wait for severe pain to start taking medication.
  • The pain is worst in early hours of morning and late at night. Drink as much fluid as possible. Remember, “ A DRY THROAT IS A SORE THROAT”.
  • Cold temperature fluids like ice chips, icy poles and ice-cream can help soothe the throat.
  • Gargling with a mouthwash that has a local anesthetic is excellent. This may burn for the first few seconds but then numbs the throat especially before eating and early in the morning on awakening.
  • You will realize very quickly, which of the pain medications that you have been prescribed works quicker and better for you.
  • Chewing gum (not very strongly flavored) regularly will help your throat muscles and prevent spasms.
  • MAKE SURE YOU EAT REGULARLY (as close to a normal diet as possible) AS THIS HELPS YOU HEAL FASTER AND CLEANS THE TONSIL CAVITIES. NOT EATING CAN LEAD TO INCREASED RISK OF BLEEDING.
  • In younger children, adequate fluid intake is more important than food intake, and any favorite liquid or icy poles should be encouraged.
  • Avoid spicy and very hot foods as the throat is more sensitive.
  • If you become nauseous and sick from your pain medication, try to work out which tablets are causing this and stop them immediately. You may be sensitive to its ingredients (e.g. Codeine, Tramadol).

What to do if your child will not eat and feels listless

  • You may have been prescribed a steroid syrup (Redipred). This acts as a painkiller and antiinflammatory and increases the appetite. Give this to your child in the mornings when necessary

What to do if there is any bleeding

  • It is normal to taste a little blood in your mouth or see a few specks of blood in your saliva in the immediate period after your operation.
  • If scabs loosen in your throat after a few days, you may experience a little bleeding that usually stops on its own. Try not to panic, remain calm and gargle with ice-cold water for a few minutes (young children can suck some ice), rest sitting up and wait at least a few minutes for the blood to clot and for it to stop. If this does not stop, go immediately to your closest Emergency Department.
  • In very few cases, you may experience stronger blood flow from one tonsil that will not stop, and that is distressing. Try gargling with ice-cold water and go to your closest emergency department. If you are concerned, you can always hold your finger inside your mouth over a gauze or tissue pad on the area of the tonsil.

Your doctor should phone you for a review between 10 days and three weeks after your operation. If there are any issues, you will be given an appointment in the rooms

Once you have completed this 14-day recovery period, you will soon see the benefits of having your tonsils removed and hopefully enjoy greater health in the future. 

For more information, the Health Direct Website.

Post-surgery care

  • Expect a sore throat for the first few days to one week.
  • Drink plenty of water. Avoid hot or spicy foods for the first 3–5 days.
  • Please try to avoid coughing or clearing your throat, as this can promote bleeding.
  • If you experience bleeding, gargle with ice-cold water for a few minutes. If the bleeding is heavy, go to your nearest emergency department.
  • If your throat swells and breathing becomes difficult, please phone the office or go to your nearest emergency department.
  • A white or grey membrane may form over the surgical site. This is normal and should disappear in 1–2 weeks. You may also experience a bad taste or smell in your mouth, which is also normal.
  • Unless your GP has advised you, do not take Aspirin for two weeks following surgery, as this can increase the possibility of bleeding.
  • Take the medications prescribed. If you experience an upset stomach, diarrhoea or vomiting, please get in touch with the office.
  • You can return to work the day after surgery.

Follow up appointment

  • Your doctor will ring you for a post-operative visit and review between 7-10 days after your surgery.
  • If you have any questions or concerns, please call the office on 08 9300 9800.

What to expect

  • A little swelling or redness by the incision site is normal. It will improve over a few days. Keep the wound dry for the first 24 hours. Then you may gently cleanse the area daily with mild soap and water.
  • Drain: If you had a drain, gauze will be placed there with tape. You may change the dressing daily, or as needed, until the site is dry. Once dry, you may leave the site open and exposed to air.
  • Activity: You may resume your normal daily activities. However, no heavy lifting allowed (nothing greater than 10 lbs.).
  • Diet: You may resume your regular diet as tolerated.
  • What to expect: You may have a sore throat or a hoarse voice after surgery. You should drink plenty of fluids and it may be helpful to take throat lozenges to relieve your symptoms. Symptoms may persist for a few days after surgery, but will improve over time.
  • Shower: You may take a shower the day after surgery, unless otherwise indicated by your surgeon.
  • Pain: After surgery, you should only take Tylenol/Panadol for pain or the medication prescribed by your surgeon. Do not take aspirin, aspirin containing products, ibuprofen, or herbal supplements for the first two weeks after surgery unless you are instructed otherwise. If you have any complaints of constipation, please take an over the counter stool softener.

Do not drive, operate dangerous machinery, or do anything dangerous if you are taking narcotic pain medication (such as oxycodone, hydrocodone, morphine, etc.) This medication affects your reflexes and responses, just like alcohol.

Please call us if you are unsure or have any of the following issues:

  • Any concerns. We would much rather that you call your surgeon than be concerned at home
  • Fever over 38
  • Foul smelling discharge from your incision.
  • More than expected swelling of your neck.
  • Increase warmth or redness around the incision.
  • Pain that continues to increase instead of decrease.
  • Problem urinating.

If you have trouble breathing, you need to go directly to the Emergency Department

SNORING

Normal symptoms 14 days after surgery

  • Pain and discomfort in the throat especially when your mouth is dry after waking up in the morning or sleeping during the day. “ A DRY THROAT IS A SORE THROAT”
  • Bad breath as the tonsil areas are raw before they heal.
  • The areas where the tonsils were removed will appear yellowish –white. This is normal as this is how “raw wounds” in the mouth heal. This is not an infection.
  • Your taste maybe abnormal for a few weeks and everything may taste “metallic”
  • Earache- this is referred pain from your tonsils and jaws and NOT an ear infection
  • Being tired and grumpy- the pain relief medication and affects of the operation can cause this.
  • Some medications may cause constipation, if this occurs please purchase an over the counter laxative from your pharmacy.

What Can You Do To Make Your Recovery Easier?

  • Take your pain medication regularly and keep the pain under control. Do not wait for severe pain to start taking medication.
  • The pain is worst in early hours of morning and late at night. Drink as much fluid as possible. Remember, “A DRY THROAT IS A SORE THROAT”.
  • Cold temperature fluids like ice chips, icy poles and ice cream can help soothe the throat.
  • Gargling with a mouthwash that has a local anesthetic is excellent. This may burn for the first few seconds but then numbs the throat, especially before eating and early in the morning on awakening.
  • You will quickly realize which of the pain medications you have been prescribed works quicker and better for you.
  • Chewing gum (not very strongly flavoured) regularly will help your throat muscles and prevent spasms.
  • MAKE SURE YOU EAT REGULARLY. This helps you heal faster and cleans the tonsil cavities. Not eating can lead to an increased risk of bleeding.
  • Avoid spicy and very hot foods as the throat is more sensitive
  • If you become nauseous and sick from your pain medication, try to work out which tablets are causing this and Stop them immediately. You may be sensitive to its ingredients (e.g. Codeine, Tramadol)

What to do if there is any bleeding

  • It is normal to taste a little blood in your mouth or see a few specks of blood in your saliva in the immediate period after your operation.
  • If scabs loosen in your throat after a few days, you may experience a little bleeding that usually stops on its own. Try not to panic, remain calm and gargle with ice-cold water for a few minutes, rest sitting up and wait at least a few minutes for the blood to clot and for it to stop. If this does not stop, go immediately to your closest Emergency Department.
  • In very few cases, you may experience stronger blood flow from one tonsil that will not stop, which is distressing. Try gargling with ice-cold water and go to your closest emergency department. If you are concerned, you can always hold your finger inside your mouth over a gauze or tissue pad on the area of the tonsil.

Follow up appointment

  • You will have an appointment to see your doctor for a follow-up and review between 10 days to 3 weeks after your operation.
  • Once you have completed this 14-day recovery period, you will soon see the benefits of having your tonsils removed and hopefully enjoy greater health in the future.

VOICE

Preparing for surgery

  • Plan your schedule to that you won’t have to talk after surgery.
  • Change your voicemail message.
  • Cancel any engagements that require talking.
  • Pre-operative speech pathology therapy may be recommended to provide education on voice care to instruct post-operative voice exercises.

After Surgery: Day 1–3

  • Do not speak at all for three days (unless otherwise specified by your surgeon).
  • Use an ipad, text messaging, email or pen and paper to communicate.
  • Do not whisper at all (this can actually cause more damage).
  • Do not sing or hum.
  • Do not cough or throat clear unless necessary.
  • Drink a large amount of water (2L per day).
  • Reduce caffeine intake (e.g coffee, tea, cola drinks).
  • Strongly recommended to prohibit ALCOHOL and SMOKING.
  • Strongly recommend the use of a HUMIDIFIER.
  • Avoid menthol lozenges.

After Surgery: Day 4

  • Your speech pathologist will recommend gentle voice stretching exercises starting on Day 4 to aid in wound healing.
  • Commence gentle talking up to 5 minutes per hour.
  • Gradually increase the amount you talk over the next few weeks to your usual level unless otherwise advised.
  • Stop voice use with the sensation of fatigue or pain.
  • Further Speech Pathology therapy may be recommended for a period post-surgical to ensure ongoing maintenance of your voice.

Call Joondalup ENT on 08 9300 9800 if you

  • Develop a persistent cough or fever.
  • If you experience any bleeding or difficulty breathing.
  • If you have severe symptoms, proceed to the nearest emergency room IMMEDIATELY.
  • Continue to take your regular prescription medications unless otherwise instructed by Dr Friedland.

You will have been given a post-operative appointment 7 - 10 days after your surgery.