Caring for Your Child after Neck Surgery
For Branchial Cleft Cyst, Thyroglossal Duct Cyst, or Lymph Node Biopsy
What to Expect
- Your child may feel sick to her stomach from the anesthesia.
- Your child will have a small neck incision covered by a dressing.
- There may be a drain in her neck for 1-2 days.
- Keep the neck area dry for 7 days.
- Begin with clear liquids and advance to solid food as your child is able to handle it. If your child is sick to her stomach, start over with clear liquids and slowly advance.
- Give acetaminophen (Tylenol®) for pain relief or fever as needed.
- Your child should take part in only light activities for the next 7 days. No sports or heavy exercise should be done during that time.
- A follow up visit will be in the ENT clinic about one week after surgery.
When to Call the Doctor or Nurse
Call the ENT doctor or nurse if your child has:
- Any signs of infection such as redness, swelling, soreness, warmth, or pus-like drainage.
- A fever over 101° F when taken by mouth, or over 100° F when taken under the arm.
- Problems with nausea or vomiting.
- Pain not controlled by Tylenol®.
- Trouble breathing or swallowing.
Phone Numbers
Pediatric Otolaryngology (ENT) Clinic (608) 265-7760 weekdays 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.
After hours, weekends, and holidays, call (608) 262-0486. Ask for the ENT doctor on call. The doctor will call you back.
If outside Madison, call toll-free 1-800-323-8942.
The information provided should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
Last Updated: 11/11/2011
Copyright © 11/11/2011 University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority. All rights reserved. Produced by the Department of Nursing. HF#5671
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