Tonsillectomy
Tonsillectomy is an operative procedure to remove palatine tonsils from the rear part of the throat.
The tonsils (palatine tonsils) are two soft tissue masses situated at the back of the throat. One on each side, they are a part of the lymphatic system.
Sometimes the adenoids are also taken out. In that case, the procedure is known as an adenotonsillectomy.
Tonsillectomy surgery is a standard surgical procedure. It is mostly done in childhood but can be done in adults too.
Tonsillectomy indications
The tonsillectomy procedure is done for the following reasons-
- Sleep apnea
- Chronic tonsillitis
- Peritonsillar abscess
- Periodic fever
- Aphthous stomatitis
- Pharyngitis and adenitis (PFAPA)
- Guttate psoriasis
- Nasal airway obstruction
- Tonsil cancer
- Diphtheria carrier state
- Suspected malignancy
- Recurrent haemorrhage
For kids, tonsillectomy is usually done along with removing the adenoid. But it is unclear whether the adenoid removal affects recurrent sore throat treatment.
Tonsillectomy Advantages
The advantages of tonsillectomy are -
- Fewer infections
- Improved quality of life
- No fatigue
- Less use of medications
- Improved sleep
- No absentees at school or work
Risks with tonsillectomy
Tonsillectomy surgery is usually a general and safe procedure. Rarely, it can involve any risk factors, such as -
- Infection
- Swelling
- Bleeding
- Reaction to anaesthesia
How to prepare for tonsillectomy
The doctor will record your medical history and check if you have any bleeding problems, allergies, etc.
The doctor will give you a few instructions to follow before the surgical procedure. They can be -
- Stop taking anti-inflammatory medicines two weeks before the operation.
- You need to fast after midnight before your operation
Tonsillectomy Procedure
The operation is done under general anaesthesia and the surgery takes 20 to 30 minutes.
Both the tonsils are usually removed, but some patients may benefit from a partial tonsillectomy.
There are many ways to do a tonsillectomy, such as -
- Electrocautery - In this method, heat removes the tonsils and restricts any bleeding.
- Cold knife (steel) dissection - The tonsils are surgically removed with a scalpel in this method. Sutures or electrocautery (extreme heat) are used to stop the bleeding.
- Harmonic scalpel - In this procedure, ultrasonic vibrations are used to cut and stop bleeding from the tonsils together.
- Other techniques like a carbon dioxide laser, radiofrequency ablation, and a microdebrider are also used for tonsillectomy.
After the Tonsillectomy procedure
There can be nausea and some pain in the jaw, ears, neck, or sore throat during the postoperative period. Take sufficient rest in the first few days after the surgery.
Your doctor will prescribe you painkillers to get relief from the pain. Take the doctor's advice if you are experiencing severe pain, breathing problems, bleeding, or fever after the procedure. Snoring in the first few days is normal.
Tonsillectomy Care at Medicover Hospital
Medicover Hospitals is supported by an experienced team of doctors and surgeons who perform tonsillectomy surgery with great precision using the latest tools and technologies. We are also equipped with state-of-the-art infrastructure and facilities that ensure flawless procedures in a highly safe and hygienic environment, ready to handle any emergency situation.