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Adenoidectomy is performed on an outpatient basis and generally does not require a hospital stay. Most children are released within several hours after the surgery. Occasionally, an overnight hospital stay may be required if there is excessive bleeding or the child is unable to drink liquids. Children with seizure disorders or certain chronic diseases may also require an overnight stay.  

Complete recovery from surgery generally takes one to two weeks. During that time, the patient may experience the following:

• Stuffiness
• Sore throat, especially when eating
• Nasal drainage
• Nasal congestion
• Ear pain during swallowing
• Jaw spasms
• Bad breath
• Snoring
• Sleepiness
• Headache
• Nausea
• Vomiting

These symptoms may linger for weeks or months after the surgery. Throughout the recovery process, patients should drink plenty of fluids to keep the throat moist and prevent body dehydration. At minimum, a patient should drink enough fluid to cause them to urinate every eight hours. After surgery children should be encouraged to sneeze with an open mouth to prevent pressure buildup.

For the first 24 hours following surgery, patients should consume only cool, clear liquids such as apple juice, water, gelatin and flavored ice.  Broth can also be consumed as long as it is not too hot and it does not contain noodles.  Red foods and liquids should be avoided, because they may be mistaken for blood if a patient’s upset stomach causes them to vomit. Patients should avoid using straws.

On the second day, patients may consume dairy products and soft foods such as ice cream, milk shakes, smooth yogurt, pudding, mashed potatoes and scrambled eggs.

A soft diet is advisable for one to two weeks after the surgery. Foods with rough edges should be avoided, including chips, crackers, hard candies, pretzels, popcorn and pizza crusts. Spicy foods or those hot in temperature should also be avoided.

Patients should rest for the first few days following surgery and slowly increase activity as they feel up to it. Exercise, heavy or rough play and swimming are prohibited for three weeks, and diving should be restricted for two months. Because of the potential risks, patients should not travel for three weeks following surgery.

Children often experience a slight change in the tone of their voice following surgery. This is normal and usually temporary.