Tonsils are lymph glands in the back of the throat that protect against infection, but some children suffer from frequent infections and earaches associated with tonsillitis. Children and occasionally adults faced with frequent infections of the tonsils may undergo a tonsillectomy. Removing the tonsils decreases illness, but infections may still occur. Eating the proper diet after a tonsillectomy decreases healing time and pain. Always follow your medical doctor's directions for preoperative and postoperative care.
About the Surgery
A tonsillectomy is performed on an outpatient basis under general anesthesia, meaning you or your child will go home the same day. Some very young children may be advised to stay overnight for additional monitoring. A scalpel or high-powered sound wave device removes the tonsils. In many cases, the adenoid glands, located near the tonsils, are also removed at the same time. The surgery takes about 45 minutes and recovery from anesthesia about four hours, though each patient will react differently.
Considerations
Almost everyone will suffer from pain after a tonsillectomy. The most painful area will be the throat, though pain often occurs in the jaw and ears.Patients are at risk of infections for about seven days after surgery, and staying home from work or school during this time is required. If any bleeding occurs after surgery, it is critical to seek medical attention. Full recovery takes between one and two weeks, while a sore throat may last as long as three weeks.
Liquids
Once the anesthesia wears off, patients are encouraged to drink clear liquids. The doctors at Associates in Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery advise drinking 4 oz. of fluids every 30 minutes. Sipping beverages throughout the day is suggested, instead of gulping large amounts of liquids at once. Start out with water, ice chips and ice pops. Next, try chicken or vegetable broth, sports beverages and clear sodas. Slowly add additional beverages, but avoid milk for the first 24 hours. Do not drink acidic juices, such as grapefruit and tomato; these juices will cause an extreme burning sensation in the back of the throat. Drink beverages at lukewarm temperatures, and avoid very hot or cold temperatures.
Foods
Begin introducing soft foods after a tonsillectomy as soon as liquids are well tolerated. Most people are able to start eating soft foods about a day after surgery. Pudding, custard, sherbet, custard and applesauce are ideal first foods that are easy to swallow. Add additional foods such as eggs, mashed potatoes, oatmeal or tuna salad for more nutritious meals. Do not eat foods with lots of sauces, spices or seasoning. Avoid citrus and other acidic fruits.
When ready, add solid foods back into your diet. This often occurs about a week after surgery but may begin sooner. Solid foods are critical to avoid malnutrition and weight loss. When eating foods, your throat will hurt. Take acetaminophen to decrease pain about an hour before eating. Do not eat crunchy or hard foods that may scratch the surgical site in your throat. Avoid pizza, crackers, cookies, chips and other similar foods until several weeks after surgery.
