THE EFFECT OF POSTOPERATIVE DIET ON RECOVERY IN THE FIRST 12 HOURS AFTER TONSILLECTOMY AND ADENOIDECTOMY

The effect of post-operative diet selection on the recovery rate of 10 0 children ages 3-17 years undergoing tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy (T & A) was studied, In the first 12 h after T & A children were allow ed either a 'restricted' diet of only soft foods and liquids or a 'non restricted' diet of foods preselected and usually eaten by the child. Parental evaluation of the child's general well being, pain level and nausea were evaluated. The number of episodes of emesis, doses of acet ominophen and the list of foods and drinks consumed were also recorded . No significant differences in any aspect of recovery were noted betw een groups. However, a trend towards decreased nausea and parental per ception of a more successful general recovery was noted at 12 h in the 'non-restricted' group, Children in the 'non-restricted' group were a ble to eat foods more often associated with their regular diet, No chi ld from either group experienced any immediate or delayed complication s. Implications for children and their families undergoing T & A are d iscussed.