Adenoidectomy Surgical Instructions (cont.)
General Instructions and Follow-Up Care
An appointment for a checkup should be made 10 to 14 days after the
procedure. Call the office to schedule this appointment.
It is not unusual for children to have nasal stuffiness following
surgery. The nasal stuffiness may last for several months as swelling
decreases. Saline nose drops (Ocean Spray) can be used to help dissolve
any clots and decrease edema. You may notice persistent or even louder
snoring for several weeks. A temporary change in voice is common following
surgery, and will usually return to normal after several months. Your
child, of course, will sound less "nasal" following surgery.
Bleeding is rare following an adenoidectomy. They may have some very
light nasal bleeding, if it is minor, pediatric Neosynephrin nose drops
can be used. If it is persistent and bright red in color, call your
doctor. On occasion, blood at the corner of the eye may be noticed.
Most patients require at least 7-10 days off from work or school. After
3 weeks, exercise and swimming can usually be resumed, but no diving for
two months. You should plan to stay in town for 3 weeks to allow for
postoperative care and in case you have bleeding.
Notify Your Doctor If Your Child Has:
- A sudden increase in the amount of bleeding from the
nose unrelieved by pressure, ice, and head elevation.
- A fever greater than 101.5 degrees F which is
persistent despite increasing the amount of fluid they drink, cool baths, and
acetaminophen/Tylenol. A child with a fever should try to drink approximately
one-half cup of fluid each waking hour.
- Persistent sharp pain or headache which is not
relieved by the pain medication they were prescribed.
- Increased swelling or redness of the nose or eyes.
- Adenoidectomy is a surgical procedure performed to
remove the adenoids.
- Adenoids are a mass of lymphoid tissue located behind
the nasal passages.
- All surgical procedures have risks and potential
complications.
- Understanding what is involved before, during, and after
adenoidectomy can help your child (and you) recover from the surgery as
easily as possible.
Last Editorial Review: 3/29/2002
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