subject: Tonsillectomy- why , how and when - ENT Surgeon Bangalore [print this page] Tonsillectomy- why , how and when - ENT Surgeon Bangalore
Tonsillectomy
What is a Tonsillectomy?
Tonsillectomy is a procedure done to remove the tonsils situated on the side of your throat.
Though there are many reasons your doctor may advise you to remove the tonsils ,the international guidelines in majority situations are:-
Absolute indications[Compulsory removal]
Enlarged tonsils that cause upper airway obstruction, severe swallowing problem[dysphagia], sleep disorders[sleep apnoea], or cardiopulmonary complications[heart -lung problems]
Peritonsillar abscess -If a child or adult has had a peritonsillar abscess in the past the recommendation is to remove the tonsils after recovery as there is chance for such severe infections again in the future .
Tonsillitis resulting in febrile convulsions[ fits/ seizures]
Tonsils requiring biopsy to define tissue pathology as in doubt of cancer or other diseases.
Other indications
3 or more tonsil infections per year despite adequate medical therapy
Persistent foul taste or breath [halitosis]due to chronic tonsillitis that is not responsive to medical therapy
Chronic or recurrent tonsillitis
Unilateral tonsil hypertrophy that is presumed to be neoplastic[cancer]. One sided tonsillar enlargement is especially notorious for harboring diseases such as cancer hence if your doctor finds a one sided enlargement or a suspicious looking tonsil he/ she may recommend removal of the tonsil and histopathological examination [ examination under the microscope]
Is it inadvisable to remove the tonsils?
The tonsils are a vestigeal structure in our body and no harm comes from removal of the tonsils.On the other hand keeping a diseased tonsil with clear cut indications for removal will do more harm to the body.
In certain situations the removal of the tonsils are not recommended.Such situations are:-
Bleeding disorders such as haemophilia
Anaemia[low Hemoglobin]
Poor Anaesthesia Risk
During theepisode of Acute infection [Ongoing infection with severe pain and fever]
How is tonsillectomy done?
Tonsillectomy is safest done under general anaesthesia[the patientwill be sleeping during the procedure].Various techniques may be used to prform a tonsillectomy and you may discuss the modality best suitedfor youwith your ENT Surgeon
Techinques of Tonsillectomy
Tonsillectomy can be done by various methods
Cold Knife
LASER
Dissection method
How long does the procedure take?
Though the actual removal of the tonsils takes only some minutes the whole process including the anaesthesia may take about half an hour to one hour.
When can I / my child go home?
In selected cases tonsillectomy can be done as a daycare procedure, that is you can go home the same day. In other cases you may go home next day morning.
What are the complications of tonsillectomy?
The main complication of tonsillectomy is bleeding and that is why in certain cases doctor may advise you to stay overnight to be on the safe side.
Will I have pain after the procedure?
Some amount of pain will occur after the procedure and yourENT Surgeon will give you pain killers to take care of it.
What are the precautions after tonsillectomy?
You will be prescribed antibiotics and pain killers after the tonsillectomy.Take the medicines prescribed by your ENT Doctor on time.
Pain killers are generally best taken after food so as to avoid gastric irritation.
Try to gargle with salt water or the medication prescribedas frequently as possible as this helps tremendously in early healing and pain relief.
Special medicated analgesic[pain relieving] gargles will be prescribed by your ENT Surgeon depending on the individaul case- If there is pain on eating ,you may gargle with these medicines 10 minutes before eating so as to enable you to eat and drink well.
Drink enough water and have adequate food - both these allow early healing and optimal recovery.
Maintain a good oral hygiene by brushing the teeth twice a day.
Be careful whileeating fish with thorns.
Avoid hard chips such as banana and tapioca chips for 10 days after the tonsillectomy
