Tonsillectomy is a surgical procedure used to remove tonsils. Tonsils are the two glands that are present at the back of the throat. Tonsillectomy procedure is used to treat tonsil infection and inflammation. This infection is called tonsillitis and it causes swelling of tonsils and sore throat. If tonsillitis is frequent or if it does not get better with other treatments, then tonsillectomy is performed.
Tonsillectomy involves removing the entire portions of the tonsils. However, in some cases, only a portion of the tonsils are removed during tonsillectomy.
Why Do I Need Tonsillectomy?
The tonsillectomy procedure is more common in children than in adults. However, people of any age group can benefit from tonsillectomy procedures. Doctors recommend a tonsillectomy procedure to treat the following conditions:
- Sleep-related breathing problems due to swollen tonsils
- Recurring tonsilitis
- Loud and frequent snoring
- Cancer of tonsils
- Sleep apnea
How to Prepare for Tonsillectomy Procedure?
Before performing a tonsillectomy procedure, the surgeon will conduct a physical exam. This helps your surgeon to ensure that you are healthy enough to undergo surgery. The surgeon may also conduct blood tests for further analysis.
The surgeon may recommend the following before undergoing the procedure:
- You need to stop using anti-inflammatory medications at least two weeks before your surgery
- Avoid eating and drinking from a night before your surgery. Being on an empty stomach helps to avoid the risk of nausea
- Avoid smoking before your surgery
- Arrange someone to drop you home after the procedure
What Happens During Tonsillectomy Procedure?
Before beginning the procedure, the surgeon will give you general anesthesia to make you comfortable during the procedure. Then the surgeon will remove the tonsils. There are different methods for removing tonsils. The following procedures are the commonly used procedures:
- Electrocautery: This method uses heat energy to burn the tonsil tissue and prevents bleeding.
- Cold knife (steel) dissection: In this method, the surgeon removes the tonsils using a knife called scalpel.
- Harmonic scalpel: Harmonic scalpel makes use of ultrasound vibrations to remove the tonsils.
Though there are different methods for performing tonsillectomy, the surgeon will determine the right one for you considering various factors.
After Tonsillectomy Procedure and Recovery
Once tonsillectomy procedure is completed, you will be moved to the recovery room. The medical staff will check your blood pressure, heart rate, etc. to ensure there are no postoperative issues. Once everything becomes normal, you can return to your home.
Tonsillectomy can be performed on an outpatient basis and you can go home after the procedure. You may have mild pain and discomfort during your recovery. You may also experience snoring for a few weeks after the procedure and it is completely normal. The surgeon will prescribe medications to get rid of the pain. For a few days, you need plenty of rest for a faster recovery. You need to take plenty of fluids to stay hydrated. Consider having food that is easy to swallow such as mashed bananas, etc. In most cases, people can get back to their daily routine within two weeks of the procedure.
Results of Tonsillectomy
The chances of having throat infections after tonsillectomy are less. Tonsillectomy also reduces the bacterial infections. It can also help improve breathing issues that do not get resolved with medications.
Your Child Suffering from Tonsillitis and Want to Consider Tonsillectomy? Meet Dr Shareef Today
If your child is suffering from breathing issues due to swollen tonsils or tonsillitis, then undergoing tonsillectomy can help your child. Dr Shareef has been working as a pediatric ENT specialist for over 25 years. You can count on him for the same. The hospital is well-equipped with the latest technology to ensure the safety of its patients. He also has an effective medical staff to provide the best care for his patients. If you would like to know about tonsillectomy, schedule your consultation with Dr Shareef today.