Setting. Adult tonsillectomy is performed for a variety of indications. Anecdotally, patients report a 10- to 15-pound weight loss in the postoperative period; however, no supporting research has been documented. The pediatric population has a well-documented weight gain postoperatively.
It's common for people to lose weight after this surgery. That's because it can hurt to swallow food at first. As long as you drink plenty of liquids, this is okay. You will probably gain the weight back when you can eat normally again.
Especially during the first postoperative year, the weight and height gain exceeded the expected in 75% of the patients. The accelerated weight gain increased with tonsil size, but there was no relation to the extent of difficulties in swallowing or sleeping disruptions.
The pain may be the worst for 3-4 days after surgery. One to two weeks after surgery, pain may worsen because the scabs are falling off. It is important to control your child's pain after surgery. This helps your child drink and eat.
Cold drinks (like apple juice, ice water, or soda) may make you feel better as they cool your injured throat. Warm drinks (like tea or coffee), on the other hand, may provide you with a soothing sensation that you'll like after surgery.
The pain was evaluated using visual analogue scale (VAS) on a scale of 0–10, with 0 representing no pain at all and 10 worst possible pain. Postoperative pain was consider mild if EVA ranges between 0.00 and 2.99; moderate when ranges between 3.00 and 6.99, and severe pain when it was greater than 7.00.
The important thing is to have your child swallow liquids. Whatever works is the best thing to give. Milk products may increase mucus secretions but if the child will only drink a milk shake and eat ice cream then it is OK to give them.
You should rest at home for the first 48 hours. Activity may increase as strength returns. Generally, you may return to work approximately 10 days following a tonsillectomy, and about 3 days after an adenoidectomy. You should avoid vigorous activity for 14 days after surgery.
Tissue injury, whether accidental or intentional (e.g. surgery), is followed by localized swelling. After surgery, swelling increases progressively, reaching its peak by the third day. It is generally worse when you first arise in the morning and decreases throughout the day.
One theory is that enlarged tonsils cause difficulty swallowing, prompting a child to eat less. Once the tonsils are removed, appetite returns. No one knows how to explain it, but studies show a link between the surgery and weight gain.
"We found a greater-than-expected weight gain in normal and overweight children after tonsillectomy," said Dr. Anita Jeyakumar, who led the research team. In one analysis of 127 children six months to one year after surgery, the average body mass index of the kids increased by about 7 percent.
The normal adult tonsil measures up to 2·5 cm in length, 2·0 cm in width and 1·2 cm in thickness. Its average weight is 1·5 g. There are about 20 crypts reaching the deepest part of the structure. Submucosal glands lie in the peripheral part.
About a week later you should be almost back to normal. You will normally require two weeks off work following the operation. There is no routine follow-up appointment.
Common issues after a tonsillectomy include the following: Moderate to severe pain in the throat for one to two weeks. Pain in the ears, neck or jaw. Nausea and vomiting for a few days.
Tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy (T&A) surgery is a common major surgery performed on children in the United States. About 400,000 surgeries are performed each year. The need for a T&A will be determined by your child's ear, nose, and throat surgeon and discussed with you.
Ongoing cough for several days post-op may occur due to swelling in the surgical site and post-nasal drip due to increase secretions. Before starting any over-the-counter cough remedies, please contact our Nurse Line at 412-692-5460 option 4. How much should my child eat or drink after his or her tonsillectomy?
THROAT PAIN is normal for 21 days after the surgery. The pain is usually tolerable in the first 3 days and then worsens to a crescendo around day 6 to 9 after the operation. Once this peak is reached then the pain gradually decreases daily until you can comfortably eat around day 14 after the operation.
Chew Ice Constantly
Ice is one of the best things to have during a tonsillectomy recovery. Ice keeps the incision site moist during recovery and this is very important for speedy healing. The cold temperature of ice also helps to numb pain and reduce swelling.
Anecdotal evidence from several ENT departments suggests that pain following tonsillectomy is worst on the second and/or third days after surgery.
Postoperative Instructions for Tonsillectomy and Adenoidectomy. Activity Level: Light activity and adequate rest are recommended for the first few days. Sleeping with the head elevated 30 to 45 degrees or in a recliner for 3-4 days will reduce the swelling in the throat.
For some children, the sore throat gets worse 5 to 8 days after surgery. Gray or white film will appear where the tonsils used to be. About a week after surgery, this film will come off and your child may have a sore throat again for a day. Drinking plenty of fluids will help to decrease the discomfort.
If your child refuses to drink he/she can rapidly become dehydrated. The younger the child is the more quickly this can happen. Dehydration can lead to increased pain and also increase the chance of bleeding.
Because of the pain in your throat, you could be moving your tongue and throat less than usual, guarding the area. In this case, your voice will return to normal when the pain and swelling recede. If your tonsils were really enlarged before your tonsillectomy, they may have muffled your voice.
Avoid citrus fruits and juices, such as orange juice and lemonade, as they may sting your child's throat. Avoid foods that are hot in temperature or spicy hot and those that have rough edges. Be sure to cut foods very small and encourage your child to chew them well.