Adenoidectomy Home Care Instructions

What are adenoids?

The adenoids are lymph tissues in the back of the nose. Sometimes adenoids grow too large, making it hard to breathe through the nose. This may cause chronic ear infections, chronic ear fluid, snoring, chronic mouth-breathing, a change in your child's facial appearance, voice, or position of teeth. Infected adenoids may lead to frequent colds or sinus problems. If problems persist despite medications, your child’s surgeon may choose to perform an adenoidectomy. An adenoidectomy may be done at the same time as another operation, such as putting in ear tubes, sinus surgery or removal of the tonsils.

Having an Adenoidectomy:

• An adenoidectomy is done in the operating room.
• The surgery takes about 30-40 minutes.
• Your child will be in the Recovery Room/Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) for approximately 1 or 2 hours

What to expect after surgery:

• Your child will have an IV when they wake up in the recovery room/PACU. The IV allows us to give your child hydration and pain medications when needed.
• Your child may be sleepy and/or upset when you arrive in the recovery room/PACU.
• There may be small amounts of bloody drainage from your child’s nose. This is normal.
• Your child may complain of a sore nose or throat. The recovery room nurse will treat your child’s pain appropriately. This could include IV pain medication, pain medication taken by mouth or other comfort measures as needed.
• Your child may be nauseated. This is normal and may be related to swallowing small amounts of blood or from the anesthesia. 

Home Care:

• It is not unusual for your child to have a low grade fever (temperature of between 98.6- 100°F) during the first post-operative week. If the  temperature goes above 102°F, call your child’s doctor’s office.
• Your child should try not to vigorously blow his/her nose in the first couple of days after surgery. 

Diet:

• It is very important for your child to drink plenty of fluids.
• Additional diet recommendations will be made by your child’s physician. 

Activity:

• Limit play to quiet play the first day or two after surgery and allow plenty of time for rest.
• Your child’s return to normal activities and school will be determined by his or her physician. Notes for school and physical education can be given, please ask your recovery room/PACU nurse. 

Call the doctor if:

• Your child has a fever greater than 102°F, bleeding from the mouth or nose, signs and symptoms of dehydration, or pain unrelieved by medication.
• Uncontrolled nausea and vomiting.
• Any additional questions or concerns. 

Follow-up:

Follow up appointments are scheduled by the doctor’s office. If you have any questions, please call the phone number provided on your discharge paperwork.