Contact us
High contrast
This page has been automatically translated.
The following information is intended to provide parents with a clear explanation of how a tonsillectomy is performed on their child and what risks and aftercare measures they should be aware of. It supports families in accompanying the healing phase safely and recognising possible complications at an early stage.
Three weeks after the tonsillectomy, the child should avoid anything that increases blood pressure, such as sport, hot baths and sunbathing. It is important that children who have just had surgery do not come into contact with children who have a cold. Playgroup, kindergarten or school attendance is possible again 10 days after the operation. Do not leave your child at home without supervision after the operation.
Only give your child soft food for the first 10 days after the operation. Spicy, acidic, hot or hard foods such as bread crusts or chips should be avoided. Hot, acidic and carbonated drinks (e.g. fruit juices and Coca-Cola) can cause pain and a burning sensation. The most important thing is that the child still drinks plenty of fluids regularly (preferably tea or water).
The pain after palatine tonsil surgery can be alleviated well with the prescribed painkillers. It is important that the painkillers are given regularly three times a day for at least 7 days so that the children can eat and, above all, drink without pain.
The teeth may be cleaned in the front sections of the mouth with toothpaste and a toothbrush, but not in the back sections of the mouth. For oral hygiene, additional rinsing, e.g. with camomile tea, is recommended after eating.
Showering and hair washing are permitted from the 3rd day after the operation.
If you have a fever, you should consult your paediatrician or an ENT specialist.
In the event of any bleeding from the mouth or nose, please report immediately to the emergency ward at UKBB.
After palatal tonsil surgery, post-operative bleeding may occur up to 2 weeks after the procedure. As a rule, this bleeding is slight and harmless and easy to treat. It is rarely necessary to stop the bleeding again under general anaesthetic. Report any bleeding from the nose or mouth during your hospitalisation to the nursing staff immediately. If bleeding occurs at home, you must go to hospital immediately. As an immediate measure, place an ice tie around your neck at home.
As an open wound surface remains after the operation, there is a risk of infection of the wound, especially as the mouth is not sterile and bacteria are present everywhere. The signs of a wound infection are increasing pain and foul-smelling bad breath. The wound infection can occur as early as 2-3 days after the operation. The attending doctor will decide whether antibiotic therapy is necessary.
As the mouth has to be spread open during the operation, the teeth may rarely be damaged, especially if there was already a defect or loosening of the tooth before the operation.
This occurs very rarely and is the result of stretching of the taste buds by the mouth spreader. The taste disorder usually disappears within days. In rare cases, however, it can take several months to heal.
After palatine tonsil surgery, there may be a mostly temporary change in the sound of the voice, i.e. open nasal breathing, especially if the adenoids are removed at the same time.
The Medgate Kids Line provides quick and uncomplicated medical advice if your child is unwell. The medical team of our partner Medgate is available to you by telephone around the clock.
For emergencies abroad: Call the emergency number of your health insurance company. You will find this number on your health insurance card.
More information: On the Page of the emergency ward you will find everything you need to know about behaviour in emergencies, typical childhood illnesses and waiting times.
144 Outpatient clinic
145 Tox Info Suisse (Poisonings)
117 Police
118 Fire brigade
Which topic would you like to contact us about?
For praise or criticism, please use the Feedback form.