Tonsillectomy: procedures, side effects, benefits, etc. • hello healthy

Definition

What is a tonsillectomy?

Tonsillectomy is the surgical removal of the tonsils / tonsils, part of a group of lymphoid tissue (such as glands in the neck) that acts to fight infection with inhaled or swallowed germs. Tonsillitis occurs when the tonsils have become infected. This causes pain, fever and difficulty swallowing and can make the sufferer feel unwell.

When should I have a tonsillectomy?

This operation is recommended because it is the only effective way to stop tonsillitis that continues to threaten. A sore throat that occurs continuously will disappear after this surgery to remove the tonsils.

Precautions & warnings

What should I know before having a tonsillectomy?

In children, frequent cycles of infection can be broken with antibiotic treatment. For adults, this treatment tends to be less effective. Inflammation and sore throats that are prevented by surgery are likely caused by viruses and not bacteria. The surgery carries some risks and takes time to recover.

Process

What should I do before having a tonsillectomy?

In the preparation stage for surgery, make sure you tell your doctor about your health condition, any medications you are taking, or any allergies you have. The anesthetist will explain the anesthesia procedure and give further instructions. Make sure you follow all the doctor's instructions including the prohibition of eating and drinking before surgery. In general, you are required to fast for six hours before the surgery. However, you may be allowed to drink beverages such as coffee a few hours before the surgery.

How is the tonsillectomy process?

This operation is performed under general anesthesia and usually takes about 30 minutes. The surgeon will perform a tonsillectomy through the patient's mouth. They will either slice the tonsils from the underlying muscle layer, use heat to remove the tonsils and sterilize the area, or use radio frequency energy to remove the tonsils. The surgeon will also stop excess bleeding.

What should I do after having had a tonsillectomy?

After undergoing surgery, you are allowed to go home the next day. Postoperative pain will continue for up to two weeks and tends to be worse in the morning. Usually patients need two weeks of recovery time before returning to work, school, and meeting with large crowds. Regular exercise has also been shown to speed up the healing process. But before deciding to exercise, you should ask a doctor for advice.

Complications

What complications can occur?

Every surgical procedure has its own risks, as well as tonsillectomy. The surgeon will explain all kinds of risks that may occur after surgery. Common complications that can occur after surgery are the aftereffects of anesthesia, excessive bleeding, or blood clots in deep veins (deep vein thrombosis or DVT).

For tonsillectomy, complications that can occur are:

small pieces of the tonsils may remain

lingual tonsillitis

changes in tasting ability

feel an awkwardness in the throat

You can reduce your risk of complications by following your doctor's directions before surgery, such as fasting and stopping certain medications.

Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.