Diet
(similar to
T&A instructions)
Maintain adequate hydration by
frequent intake of fluids, such as
water, Gatorade, apple or grape
juice, broth, or Jell-O. milk, ice
cream, water, tea, apple juice,
etc. Avoid drinking orange juice,
grapefruit juice, and tomato juice
for 1 week after the operation, as
they might irritate the throat.
Drink several glasses of water (lukewarm
water is less irritating than cold) everyday.
Gradually add soft foods as desired
(such as JelI-O, chocolate
pudding, mashed potato, pureed
vegetables, mashed potatoes, boiled
eggs, cottage cheese, etc)
Gradually resume normal diet as
desired; but avoid hot foods, spicy
or highly seasoned foods, potato
chips, nuts, dry toast, popcorn and
crackers for at least 1 week after
surgery.
Medications
An
antibiotic is usually prescribed for
seven to ten days following the
surgery. Take your antibiotic until
it is finished.
You will also be given a
prescription for mild narcotic pain
medication in the form of codeine or
hydrocodone. These products cause
somnolence, drowsiness and
constipation.
Occasionally, Phenergan
suppositories may be necessary for
nausea or vomiting.
Do
not use aspirin for 2 weeks after
surgery since it increases the
possibility of bleeding.
General
instructions
Frequent coughing and clearing the
throat should be avoided.
Objectionable mouth odor may be
noted and is relieved by abundant
fluid intake.
A
white or gray membrane on the
surgical site is normal and should
disappear in 1 to 2 weeks.
Patients who have undergone UPPP
under general anesthesia will notice
sutures in the soft palate. These do
not need removal; they are
absorbable sutures.
Earache or a slight fever is
expected and may be disregarded
unless condition worsens.
The patient may return to work the
day after surgery, if desired;
however, one should not drive,
operate machinery or make major
decisions if taking painkillers.
Bleeding
In
a small percentage of patients,
bleeding may occur after 7 to 10
days. If this happens to you, do
not become excited, for this
bleeding usually stops
spontaneously. Remain quiet, lie
down, and spit the blood out gently.
Gargle gently with ice water and
remain quiet. If the bleeding does
not stop promptly, call your doctor.
If the doctor is not available and
bleeding continues, go to the
nearest emergency room.
Follow-up
Please make an appointment for
follow-up for two weeks after your
surgery.
Please note the following: For
prescription refills, please call
during office hours: Monday-Friday:
9:00 am - 4:30 pm
