Often a child's first surgery, a tonsillectomy can be as difficult for a toddler's caregiver as it is for the toddler herself. A tonsillectomy involves removing tissue at the back of the throat. The procedure often leads to better hearing, clearer speech, fewer ear infections and reduced throat infections. In the days following her operation, your toddler will likely be uncomfortable, and you will notice white scabs on the back of her throat. Help her recover quickly and with minimal pain while supervising her to avoid complications. Always follow the instructions of the surgeon and your pediatrician.
Post-Operation
Tonsillectomies in children are performed under general anesthesia in hospital operating rooms. Toddlers under age 3 usually remain in the hospital overnight for observation following recovery. The surgery takes less than an hour, but recovery time can take up to five hours. The toddler receives intravenous fluids during and after the operation, until she can keep fluids down.
Diet
Due to throat swelling and pain, your toddler will likely resist solid food for several days following her surgery. Although it is not concerning if she doesn't eat well, it is imperative that she receive adequate fluid. At least 1.5 quarts of clear liquid in a 24-hour period is essential for children, according to The Ear Center of Greensboro. Cold fluids soothe the throat; juice, ice pops and clear sodas are appealing to toddlers. Once the child is tolerating clear liquids well, introduce thick liquids into her diet. Options include yogurt, ice cream and milk. Once these are tolerated, give her soft solid foods such as mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese, eggs, bananas and canned fruit. Contact your child's physician if she does not drink for more than 12 hours, or if she exhibits signs of dehydration including few wet diapers, no tears when crying or dry mouth.
Activity
Restrict your toddler's activity for up to two weeks, depending on when she begins to eat well, sleep consistently, and no longer requires pain medication. Do not travel long distances until two weeks post-operation, since there are risks of complications up to that point and she may need treatment from the medical team familiar with her history. If the toddler attends daycare or preschool, she will likely be ready to resume her usual routine one week after her operation, although you may need to excuse her from active play for another week if discomfort persists.
Pain Relief
Acetaminophen or ibuprofen may be administered as needed based on dosage instructions listed on the medication. Physicians typically do not prescribe stronger pain medicine to toddlers. Set a schedule where pain medication is given an hour prior to meals, so your toddler will be more likely to eat and drink. Apply an ice pack if for immediate relief if her throat is very swollen. A humidifier or vaporizer prevents dry air that could further aggravate her sore throat.
Monitoring
A low grade fever, sometimes coupled with nausea or vomiting, is normal in the days following surgery. Call your toddler's physician if she runs a fever higher than 102 degrees Fahrenheit, or if nausea and vomiting persist for more than two days. If you notice any bleeding while she is recovering, immediately contact his physician or take him to the nearest emergency room. She should be urinating at least twice per day, and intensity of pain should begin to decrease after about two days. Your toddler's physician may schedule a routine follow-up visit 2 to 4 weeks after the procedure.
