Adenoid Surgery Part 3 - What to expect after the operation

WHAT HAPPENS AFTER THE OPERATION?

After the operation, when the anaesthetic has worn off, your child will go to the recovery ward.

Most surgery is done as a day case.

This means your child can go home a few hours after the operation.

Some children may need to stay overnight in the hospital and then go home the next day.

WHAT SYMPTOMS SHOULD I EXPECT AFTER THE OPERATION?

Feeling sick. Some children feel sick after the operation, but not for long.

Your child may need some medicine for this.

Your child may also feel tired for the first few days. This is normal.

High temperature. A high temperature in the first day or two after the operation is common.

Half of patients may get this.

A temperature that quickly goes back to normal should not need antibiotics.

Blocked nose. Your child’s nose may be blocked after the surgery. 

This is normal. This will clear up on its own in a week or so.

Bad breath. You may notice your child has bad breath during the healing period.

It does not always mean your child has an infection.

Drinking lots of water and chewing gum may help.

In rare cases, antibiotics may be needed.

Sore throat.

Your child’s throat will be sore.

This may get worse 3 to 5 days after the operation.

It will slowly get better.

Swollen uvula.

The dangling bit at the back of their throat can swell up after the operation.

It gets better within a few days.

It does not usually need medicine.

Sore ears. Your child may have sore ears. 

This is normal and does not usually mean your child has an ear infection.

Give your child painkillers as needed for the first few days. 

About 30 minutes before meals if they have a sore throat.

Do not give more than it says on the label.

Do not give your child aspirin.

Aspirin is not safe for children under 16 at any time unless prescribed by a doctor.

HOW LONG WILL MY CHILD BE IN HOSPITAL?

In most hospitals, the operation is a day case. 

This means your child will be able to go home on the day of the operation.

Some children may need to stay in the hospital for one night.

This may depend on the age of your child and if they have any other health problems.

If there are any complications during or after surgery, your child may be kept in the hospital overnight or longer.

Please discuss this with your child’s specialist.

Your child can only go home when they are eating and drinking and feel well enough.

HOW LONG WILL MY CHILD BE OFF SCHOOL?

Keep your child off school or nursery for one week.

Make sure they rest at home away from crowds and smoky places. 

Stay away from people with coughs and colds.

WILL MY CHILD NEED A FOLLOW-UP APPOINTMENT?

Not usually.

Your child’s doctor will tell you before you go home if you need an appointment.