Post Operative Instructions Dr. Brian Szwarc
Patient Information
The removal of tonsils and/or adenoids is one of the most frequently performed throat operations. It has proven to be a safe, effective surgical method to resolve breathing obstruction, throat infections and manage recurrent childhood ear disease. Pain following surgery is an unpleasant side effect, which can be reasonably controlled with medication. It is similar to the pain patients have experienced with throat infections, but often is also felt in the ears after surgery. There are also some risks associated with the removal of tonsils and/or adenoids. Postoperative bleeding occurs in about 1-2% of cases, often immediate, although it can occur at any time during the first 2 weeks after surgery. Treatment of bleeding is usually an outpatient procedure but sometimes requires control in the operating room under general anesthesia. In rare cases, a blood transfusion may be recommended. Because swallowing is painful after surgery, there may be poor oral intake of fluids. If this cannot be corrected at home, the patient may be admitted to the hospital for IV fluid replacement. Anesthetic complications are known to exist; however, they are quite uncommon since patients are usually young and healthy.
Call Dr. Brian Szwarc if:
Bleeding occurs, breathing problems, questions about surgery
Contacting Dr. Szwarc:
First, call the office 229-226-1443 if it is daytime. The office staff is often the quickest way to locate Dr. Szwarc. At night or when the office is closed, call the hospital operator at 229-228-2000 and state your name and phone number where you can be reached. Ask the operator to page Dr. Szwarc.
Emergencies:
Contact Dr. Szwarc according to the above instructions. If Dr. Szwarc is away, emergency room physicians or other otolaryngologists are there to help.
Go to the emergency room if an urgent problem arises.
Remember:
Keep drinking as much fluids as possible during the first few days. It will help you feel better and keep you hydrated.
Give pain medicine or Tylenol every 4 hours while awake for first few days.
No medications containing aspirin. Aspirin is bad.
Call Dr. Szwarc if you have any problems or questions.
Additional Information:
You may have an earache from the surgery on the throat.
You may have bad breath until the mouth heals.
If you look in the back of your mouth there will be yellow/white scabs. Don’t worry, these are normal.
A low grade fever is common after surgery and normal
You can eat or drink anything you want as long as it does not contain aspirin. Tylenol is ok.