Pharyngoplasty: At Home Instructions

The following instructions will help you to know what to expect in the days following surgery. Do not hesitate to call if you have questions or concerns.

Activity

• As tolerated

Bathing

• No restrictions

Diet

• Sof diet for 2 weeks
• No sharp or crunchy food (otherwise all soft food is ok)

Expectations

• Mouth swelling is normal for approx 1 week.
• Bleeding is normal (small amount) for a few days
• Sutures will sometimes last for 1 month, but will fall out on their own.

Medications

• Your physician may send you home on a course of antibiotics, if so take as prescribed.
• Your physician may send you home on a steroid course, if so take as prescribed.
• Detailed information on how to take your medications is printed on your medication bottles.
• If you are concerned that you may be having a drug reaction, such as a rash, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea, please contact your primary care physician as soon as possible.
• If you have questions about your medications, please ask your nurse, caregiver, or a Pharmacist.

Pain

• Most children have moderate to severe throat pain after surgery. Throat pain is greater the first few days following surgery and may last up to 14 days.
• Ear pain, especially with swallowing, is also a common occurrence. It is not an ear infection, but due to referred pain from the surgery.
• Occasionally, a stiff neck and jaw pain may also occur. Please call if it becomes excessively painful or if your child is unable to move his/her neck.
• Your child may have trouble eating, drinking, or sleeping because of pain. The level of pain may change during recovery. Pain may be worse in the morning

Pain Control

• Alternate the use of acetaminophen (Tylenol®) and ibuprofen (Advil®, Motrin®) every 3 hours to control your child’s pain. Please follow this medication schedule while your child is awake for the first few days after surgery.
• Older children may receive a prescription for a stronger pain medication. Please use this medication if acetaminophen and ibuprofen are not controlling your child’s pain.
• Give pain medication on a regular schedule for the first 2-3 days after surgery.
• Drink plenty of fluids after surgery. Staying hydrated can help lessen pain.
• Rectal acetaminophen suppositories and orally disintegrating tablets are options for children refusing pain medication orally. Available over-the-counter.

Fever

• A low-grade fever (101 degrees or less) following surgery may occur and should be treated with acetaminophen. Follow the directions on the bottle. If the fever persists (more than 2 days) or is greater than 102 degrees, call our office.

Follow-Up

• Our doctors recommend a postoperative follow up appointment 1-2 weeks after surgery. Call soon after the operation for an appointment.