TONSILLECTOMY & ADENOIDECTOMY -PRE AND POST OP INFORMATION

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1 TONSILLECTOMY & ADENOIDECTOMY -PRE AND POST OP INFORMATION Information Leaflet Your Health. Our Priority.

2 Page 2 of 5 What are Tonsils and Adenoids? They are a type of gland and form a circle at the back of the throat and nose. The tonsils can be seen at the back of the throat and the adenoids are hidden at the back of the nose. What do they do? It is thought they help to fight infection but they may also become infected or swollen, causing your child to have problems. They are larger in children and shrink as we get older. What is a Tonsillectomy and Adenoidectomy? It is the surgical removal of the Tonsils and Adenoids sometimes referred to as Adeno- Tonsillectomy. Both glands are not always removed and the type of operation will depend on your child s symptoms. Why is it needed? The most common reasons are: repeated infections which cause health problems and time off school. large tonsils/adenoids, which may obstruct the airway causing, sleep disturbance and difficulty swallowing. repeated ear infections and glue ear may be a reason for surgery and this will be discussed with you by your doctor. Are there any risks involved? The two main risks are: Bleeding from the wound site immediately after the operation. Bleeding may occur about 7 10 days after surgery (this is known as secondary bleeding). Wound infection is uncommon. Your surgeon will discuss any risks with you before you consent to the operation. What happens at the pre-assessment clinic? You and your child will be seen by a nurse who will ask you questions about your child s health, tell you about the operation and will also explain the pain chart. Your child may be seen by a doctor. You will be asked to sign a consent form in clinic, or on the day of the operation, to say you agree to and understand the operation. You will also be given the opportunity to visit the ward. Please tell the nurse if you know you will not be able to arrange private transport to take your child home on discharge.

3 Page 3 of 5 What happens when my child comes into hospital? You may stay with your child. Your child will not be allowed food and drink before surgery, this includes chewing gum. (You will receive instructions on what time your child should last eat or drink) Your nurse will tell you what to expect, about pain relief, prepare you for theatre and answer any questions you have. A doctor will ask you to sign a consent form to say you agree to and understand the surgery, if you did not do this in clinic. Your child will be seen by an anaesthetist (doctor who puts you to sleep) who makes sure it is safe for them to have the operation. What happens after my child s surgery? Your child will receive pain relief in theatre. When your child wakes they will be assessed for pain and given pain relief if necessary. Your child will be nursed on their bed for most of the first day, and usually recover better if they have a sleep. The nurse will check your child s pulse and condition at regular intervals. She will look for any signs of fresh bleeding. It is common to feel sick after surgery and if necessary your child may be given some medicine to relieve this. Your child can drink once fully awake. When they are ready to eat they can eat something soft. Many children are reluctant to eat at first and we advise regular pain relief in hospital and at home. When Will My Child be allowed home? Some children are allowed to go home on the same day as their operation (day case). For this to happen a number of criteria need to be met and a decision will be made after discussion in your pre-op clinic appointment. If your child or circumstances do not meet the criteria for a daycase admission, they will need to stay in hospital until the next morning and you may stay with them. Your child will be allowed home when: they have tolerated food and drink. oral pain relief such as paracetamol controls their pain. they have passed urine. you have transport home (not public transport). What happens when I go home? Keep your child away from school, crowds and people who have coughs and colds for days following surgery. This is to help to stop your child picking up an infection. Your child may feel unwell and tired for a few days.

4 Page 4 of 5 What about pain? Your child will have a sore throat/earache for up to a week before it settles down. It is important to give your child regular pain relief during this time especially before meals. Make sure you have a supply of pain relief such as paracetamol and ibuprofen at home. Alternating paracetamol and ibuprofen to control your child s discomfort may be necessary for several days. As soon as possible give just one type of medicine to control the discomfort. Alternating doses of Paracetamol and Ibuprofen Initially give Paracetamol and then 3-4 hours later, if necessary, give a dose of Ibuprofen. Paracetamol can then be given 3-4 hours after this and so on. Give a maximum of 4. ml doses of Paracetamol per day. Give a maximum of 3. ml doses of Ibuprofen per day. Always read the label on medicines. Some medicines that can be bought at the chemist contain Paracetamol and the names can be confusing. Chewing gum: encourage your child to chew gum as swallowing helps healing and reduces pain. What about diet? Ensure your child eats their normal diet. You may find this difficult at first but please do not give up, as this will help your child s throat to heal more quickly and reduce pain and the risk of infection. It is important for your child to drink to stop any dehydration. Avoid acidic drinks such as fresh orange juice or grapefruit, which may cause discomfort. When should I seek help? You may notice a greyish/white area at the back of the throat where the tonsils were and bad breath, this is normal and will settle down as the wound heals. If there is any fresh blood from your child s mouth or nose contact Rainforest Ward on or Brambles Ward on Please Note Contact your G.P. if your child has a persistent high temperature and appears unwell, as they may be developing an infection. Will I need to see the doctor again? No follow up is usually required.

5 Page 5 of 5 If you would like this leaflet in a different format, for example, in large print, or on audiotape, or for people with learning disabilities, please contact: Patient and Customer Services, Poplar Suite, Stepping Hill Hospital. Tel: PCS@stockport.nhs.uk. Our smoke free policy Smoking is not allowed anywhere on our sites. Please read our leaflet 'Policy on Smoke Free NHS Premises' to find out more. Leaflet number PAED02 Publication date May 2016 Review date May 2018 Department Paediatrics Location Stepping Hill Hospital