Compositions and methods for promoting epithelial tissue regeneration after tonsillectomy are disclosed. In particular, the invention relates to compositions comprising heparin binding epidermal growth factor like growth factor and their use in post-operative treatment to promote epithelial tissue regeneration in wounds resulting from surgical removal of tonsil tissue during tonsillectomy procedures, such as palatal, pharyngeal or lingual tonsillectomy. Additionally, HB-EGF can also be used after an adenoidectomy, a procedure sometimes combined with a tonsillectomy, to promote healing of wounds caused by surgical removal of adenoid tissue.
