Supraglottoplasty Home Care Instructions

Hospital Stay

Most children stay overnight in the hospital for at least one night.

Bleeding

There is typically very little to no bleeding associated with this procedure. Though very unlikely to happen, you should contact your physician immediately if your child were to spit or cough up blood.

Diet

After surgery your child will be able to eat their usual foods or formula. It is important to encourage your child to drink fluids and remain hydrated after surgery. Daily fluid needs are listed below:

• Age 0-2 years: 16 ounces per day
• Age 2-4 years: 24 ounces per day
• Age 4 and older: 32 ounces per day

It is our experience that most children experience a significant improvement in eating after this procedure. However, we have found that some, otherwise healthy, infants may experience a transient onset of coughing or choking with feeding after surgery. These symptoms typically resolve over 1-2 months. We have also found that infants who have other illnesses (such as syndromes, prematurity, heart trouble, or other congenital abnormalities) have a greater risk of experiencing swallowing difficulties after a supraglottoplasty. In time, the child usually will return to normal swallowing but there is a small risk of feeding difficulties.

Medications

You will be given a prescription before you leave the hospital for an acid reducing (anti-reflux) medication that will be taken for 1 month after surgery. This medication is very important because it prevents acid reflux from the stomach from irritating the recently operated area. This medicine needs to be taken twice-a-day, whether your child appears to have reflux or not.

Pain 

Give liquid acetaminophen (Tylenol). Acetaminophen is used to relieve mild to moderate pain and to reduce fever. It is important to take acetaminophen exactly as directed. Follow the directions on the package and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand.

Activity

A child may resume his/her normal activities as tolerated after surgery.

When to Call the Doctor

Call for any of the following:

• Increase in noisy breathing
• Problems breathing (shortness of breath, retractions – sinking in at base of neck or abdomen sinking in just below ribs when breathing in)
• Inability to drink liquids
• Fever greater than 101.5 degrees
• Pain that isn’t resolved by Tylenol (Acetaminophen)

For Questions or Emergency Care:
Call the office at 601-984-5160. You may need to speak with the doctor on call.

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