Tonsillectomy

What is it?

A tonsillectomy is a surgical operation in which the tonsils are excised from the back of the mouth, leaving no external scars. It is conducted to decrease frequent throat infections.

What is the aim of the procedure?

The surgery will help in reducing the frequency of severe throat infections which affect daily activities.

What is done during the procedure?

During the procedure the tonsils are removed through the oral cavity. For this purpose, cold steel instruments, LASER, or Coblator can be used. Pain is reported to be relatively lower when performed using a LASER.

The procedure will be carried out under general anaesthesia. If you have any anaesthetic concerns, please discuss with your anaesthesist.

What are the risks associated with the procedure?

• Bleeding may occur anytime during the first 2 weeks after surgery. Delayed bleeding may require re-admission to hospital and may require another procedure to stop the bleeding. A blood transfusion may be required depending on amount of blood lost.

• Persistent bad breadth, worsening throat discomfort or delayed bleeding may indicate an infection. This is usually treated with antibiotics.

• Throat pain is common during first 1 week to 10 days after surgery requiring regular analgesia. Rarely pain in the area back of tongue or ear is experienced and can be controlled with analgesics.

• Injury to the teeth, tips, gums or tongue may occur rarely. There can also be a temporary change in sensations to tongue.

  
  

Post-operative care and follow-up:

Following the procedure, you will be having throat pain for which analgesics will be administered. Cold food items, like ice cream, are to be consumed on the first day alone. From the following day on wards till the wound heals properly, consumption of bland soft solids is encouraged. This is essential to relieve muscle spasm and pain. Regular mouth gargling is to be done regularly for at least the first week.

You will be discharged once the pain becomes tolerable and when you are able to eat comfortably. This will usually be the day after the surgery. While at home, is advisable to avoid intake of spicy foods or sharp and hard foods. You are requested to report immediately to your doctor if you experience any oral bleed.

Frequently Asked Questions

a. How long should I stay in the hospital?

Usually 2 days, depending on how you're feeling. Some people can even go home the same day.

b. Is it done with general or local anesthesia?

It is done under general anesthesia

c. How much time should I take off work?

It's best to take it easy for 5-7 days

d. Will there be any change in voice post procedure

No there wont be any change to the voice. The procedure is done in the part of throat above your voice box

e. Is my child too small for the procedure

Adenotonsillectomy is generally done in children to alleviate the symptoms that they are suffering from. So based on symptoms the procedure may be done on children usually from 4 years of age

f. What if I dont get the procedure done

This is generally done to avoid symptom and to avoid recurrent ear infection/frequently falling sick and not able to go to school/work. So based on the symptoms you may contact your doctor and discuss with him about the necessity for the surgical procedure

g. Which method of tonsillectomy is better