Tonsillectomy

What is Tonsil Surgery?

Tonsil surgery, or tonsillectomy in medical terms, is the surgical removal of the tonsils. Tonsillitis is a condition in which the tonsils become inflamed.

Tonsils are two oval-shaped organs in the rear of the throat. On either side of the throat, there is a tonsil. The tonsils are part of the immune system and are the body’s first line of defence against bacteria and viruses in the mouth. Tonsillitis in adults is thought to be caused by a decrease in the function of the tonsils within the immune system after puberty.

Tonsil surgery was once a standard procedure for treating recurrent tonsillitis. Aside from this, tonsil formations that can cause respiratory problems while sleeping can now be surgically removed.

Why Is Tonsil Surgery Performed?

Tonsil surgeries are often performed in cases of recurrent, that is, chronic or severe tonsillitis, and when the tonsils cause breathing difficulties due to enlarged tonsils.

When Is Tonsil Surgery Performed?

Tonsillitis is defined as inflammation of the tonsils that occurs at least seven times in the preceding year, at least five times in the last two years, or at least three times in the last three years and necessitates surgical intervention. Furthermore, if a bacterial infection causing tonsillitis does not respond to antibiotic treatment, or if an infection causing an accumulation of inflammation behind the tonsils, known as a tonsil abscess, does not respond to medication or a drainage procedure, the doctor may recommend a tonsillectomy.

After repeated or severe infections, the tonsils may expand or grow naturally large. A tonsillectomy may be recommended to manage issues such as difficulty breathing caused by swollen tonsils and breathing disruption during sleep (obstructive sleep apnea).

Tonsillectomy may also be recommended to treat other, more uncommon diseases or consequences, such as malignant or suspected malignant tumour tissue in one or both tonsils.

When tonsil surgery is performed to treat recurrent bacterial tonsillitis, it reduces the frequency and severity of sore throat and other bacterial infections. It has been observed that tonsil surgeries performed to treat viral tonsillitis are less beneficial.

What Are the Risks of Tonsil Surgery?

As with other surgical interventions, there are various risks in tonsil surgery. Medications to make the individual sleep during surgery often cause minor, short-term problems such as headaches, nausea, vomiting, or muscle pain. Cases of serious, long-term problems are less common. Rarely, severe bleeding occurs during or after surgery and may require a longer hospital stay with additional treatment.

Preparation for Tonsil Surgery

Before surgery, the doctor will speak with the patient and gather information about their medical history while completing several examination procedures. The doctor will explain to the patient how to prepare himself or his child for tonsil surgery during this procedure.

All medications are regularly taken by the individual, including over-the-counter medications and dietary supplements, a personal or family reaction to anaesthetic drugs, or a history of bleeding disorders and known allergies or other adverse reactions to drugs such as antibiotics are likely to be on the doctor’s list of questions. A few days before surgery, the doctor may ask the patient to stop taking specific drugs or adjust their prescription dose. Furthermore, the patient should not consume anything after midnight the night before the surgery.

Before surgery, various laboratory tests or blood samples may be required. The sleep study, or polysomnography, may be ordered if tonsil surgery is planned to address obstructive sleep apnea, other airway blockages, or certain other diseases.

How Is Tonsil Surgery Performed?

Tonsil Surgery is a surgery that is very easy and does not require a long hospitalization in many cases. However, in cases where complications do occur, prolonged hospital stays may be required if the individual has a complex medical complication.

Since tonsil surgery is commonly performed under general anaesthesia, the individual will not be aware of the procedure or feel pain during the operation.

The surgeon may perform the surgery using a scalpel or a special surgical instrument that uses heat or high-energy heat or sound waves to remove tissue and stop bleeding.

Home Care After Tonsil Surgery

Following tonsillectomy, a variety of issues might arise. Moderate painful throat lasting one to two weeks, a feeling of something trapped in the throat, pain in the ears, neck, or jaw, and anxiety, particularly in youngsters, are some of these symptoms.

With the guidance of a doctor, you can take several steps to manage the pain produced by tonsil surgery and ensure a healthy recovery. Individuals should take pain medicines exactly as prescribed by their doctor, at the proper time and in the right amount.

To avoid dehydration, it is critical to drink plenty of fluids following surgery. The easiest way to do this is to drink plenty of water. For immediate post-surgical surgery, light foods that are simple to swallow, such as applesauce or broth, are the best alternatives. If the person can tolerate things like ice cream and custard, they can be added to their diet. It is critical to eat foods that are simple to chew and swallow in the days following tonsil surgery. Acidic, hot foods must be avoided because they can cause pain or bleeding.

After tonsillectomy, bed rest may be prescribed for a few days. The individual should talk to the doctor about activities to avoid.

Complications After Tonsil Surgery

In addition to all of this, if the patient experiences bleeding, fever, dehydration (i.e., thirst), or respiratory issues following tonsillectomy, s/he should seek immediate medical attention.

In the postoperative phase, the patient may notice little dark blood spots in the nose or saliva; this is typical. Any amount of brilliant red blood, on the other hand, necessitates a trip to the emergency hospital for immediate assessment and treatment. To halt the bleeding, emergency surgery may be required. If, on the other hand, the person is having trouble breathing, he should see a doctor.

It’s also crucial to see a doctor if you’re experiencing symptoms of dehydration, such as a high fever or decreased urine, thirst, weakness, headaches, or dizziness. Dehydration in children might manifest itself in the form of urinating fewer than two or three times each day or sobbing without tears.