Who needs a tonsillectomy?

The procedure is more commonly performed in children than adults. But people of any age experiencing problems with their tonsils can require surgery.

Suffering from just one or two instances of tonsillitis does not require surgery to be performed. It is typically a treatment option for those who are frequently sick with tonsillitis or strep throat. Suffering from chronic tonsillitis requires discussion with the doctor to decide whether the option of surgery needs to be availed.

 

How is tonsillectomy performed?

Before the procedure

The following information needs to be provided to a doctor:

• Information including all medications, including over-the-counter drugs and dietary supplements that are taken regularly needs to be provided
• Reactions or allergies to medicines
• Information about personal or family history of  problems with anaesthetic needs to be shared
• Information about personal or family history of bleeding problems needs to be shared

The preparation for the surgery for an adult and a child can include:

• A doctor may ask patients to stop taking some medications such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen or change the dosages of medications several days before the surgery.
• Patients should not eat or drink anything after midnight on the night before the surgery.
• Home recovery should be planned, and someone will need to drive a patient home and help them for the first couple of days following the surgery.

During the procedure

There are different ways in which the tonsils can be removed.

• A common method is called “cold knife (steel) dissection.” In this method, a scalpel is used by the surgeon to remove the tonsils. Cauterization is another common method for tonsillectomy that involves burning away the tissues. Some tonsillectomy procedures also require the usage of ultrasonic vibration using sound waves.
• A patient is asleep under the influence of a general anaesthetic irrespective of the method chosen. Therefore, they will not be aware of the surgery or feel any pain.

After the procedure

The medical staff will monitor the blood pressure and heart rate as the patient wakes up from the effects of general anaesthesia and most of the patients can go home the same day after a successful tonsillectomy. Adults can require more time than children to recover. Proper hydration is recommended to hasten the recovery cycle. Any complications such as continual bleeding, high fever or trouble breathing should be reported to the doctor immediately.

The most common issues faced after the procedure include the following:

• Moderate to severe throat pain for one to two weeks
• Pain in the ears, neck, or jaw
• Nausea and vomiting for a few days
• Mild fever for many days
• Bad breath for up to two weeks
• Swelling of the tongue or throat
• A feeling of something being stuck in the throat
• Anxiety or sleep disturbances in children