Tonsillectomy and Post-Operative Care

The tonsil is a tissue located in the human body. Many people have experienced tonsillitis, especially adolescents and children. In severe or recurrent cases, surgical treatment is generally required. After tonsil surgery, if there is a small amount of bleeding, it can be stopped by applying pressure with a cotton ball. If the bleeding is excessive, it should be managed according to the specific situation.

Handling Bleeding After Tonsillectomy

Bleeding after tonsillectomy can be classified into primary and secondary bleeding. Primary bleeding occurs within 24 hours postoperatively, mainly due to incomplete hemostasis during surgery or subsequent vasodilation caused by the addition of epinephrine during surgery. Secondary bleeding occurs after 24 hours, often caused by infection or damage leading to the shedding of the white membrane.

If there is minor bleeding after tonsillectomy, it can be controlled by applying pressure with an epinephrine-soaked cotton ball or gauze ball, or by repeatedly rinsing the mouth with cold water. In cases of excessive bleeding, ligation or electrocoagulation may be necessary. If there is significant blood loss, transfusion and fluid replacement may be required to correct hypovolemia. In case of shock, immediate resuscitation should be performed.

Post-Operative Precautions After Tonsillectomy

Firstly, it is important to prevent bleeding. Within 24 hours postoperatively, there may be some blood mixed with saliva due to the unhealed wound, which is normal. If there is excessive bleeding, cold compresses can be applied using ice cubes, ice packs, or cold, wet towels placed on the forehead and sides of the neck. In cases of severe bleeding, prompt medical attention should be sought for hemostasis.

Secondly, to alleviate pain after tonsillectomy, cold drinks or cold compresses (as described above) can be used. Pressing or acupuncture on the Hegu point can also be helpful. Generally, the pain will gradually decrease and disappear starting from the second day after surgery. It is important to avoid arbitrary use of painkillers.

Thirdly, post-operative fever may occur to varying degrees. If the body temperature exceeds 38°C, appropriate cooling measures should be taken after ruling out the possibility of secondary wound infection.

Fourthly, regular rinsing of the mouth is essential to remove secretions, clotted blood, and oral debris, which can cause a foul odor, especially if the wound becomes infected. Mouthwashes can help clean and disinfect the wound.

Lastly, proper diet is crucial. Since the surgical wound is located in the mouth, it can cause pain and patients may be reluctant to eat, which is detrimental to wound healing. Within six hours postoperatively, it is recommended to consume cold liquid foods such as milk, soy milk, nutritional soups, and lotus root starch. As the condition stabilizes, semi-liquid foods like porridge and soft noodles can be introduced. After a week, soft foods and buns can be eaten. However, it is important to avoid foods with fish bones or meat bones, as well as spicy and stimulating foods, to prevent damage to the tonsillar wound during chewing and swallowing, which can lead to bleeding.