Tonsillectomy
Tonsillectomy
SURGICAL PROCEDURE
A tonsillectomy is a surgical procedure to remove the tonsils, which are two small masses of tissue located at the back of the throat, one on each side. While tonsillectomies are more commonly associated with children, they can also be performed on adults in certain cases.
Indications
Adult tonsillectomies are typically recommended when there are chronic or severe issues related to the tonsils that do not respond to non-surgical treatments.
Common indications for an adult tonsillectomy include:
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Recurrent Tonsillitis: If an adult experiences frequent episodes of tonsillitis (inflammation or infection of the tonsils), and these infections significantly impact their quality of life or work, a tonsillectomy may be considered.
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Tonsillitis can cause a number of problems, including:
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Sore throat
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Fever
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Difficulty swallowing
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Difficulty breathing
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Swollen glands in the neck
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Ear pain
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Fatigue
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Sleep-Related Breathing Disorders: Tonsillectomies are sometimes performed as part of treatment for sleep-related breathing disorders such as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) when enlarged tonsils contribute to airway obstruction and disrupted breathing during sleep. Read more about OSA here.
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Peritonsillar Abscess: When an abscess forms around the tonsil due to a severe bacterial infection (peritonsillar abscess), surgical drainage or tonsillectomy may be required.
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Procedure
There are different techniques for removing the tonsils.
In the conventional approach, a scalpel is used to carefully remove the tonsils. This method is less common today due to advancements in surgical techniques.
Electrocautery or coblation tonsillectomy techniques use specialized devices to cut and remove the tonsils while simultaneously cauterizing (sealing) blood vessels to minimize bleeding.
In laser tonsillectomy, a laser is used to vaporize and remove the tonsil tissue. This method may result in less pain and a quicker recovery for some patients.
Recovery
Recovery from an adult tonsillectomy can vary from person to person, but it typically involves the following:
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Pain: Post-operative pain is common and can last for up to two weeks. Pain medications and a soft diet are often recommended during this time.
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Diet: Patients are usually advised to stick to a soft or liquid diet immediately after surgery to avoid irritating the surgical site.
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Activity: Rest is important during the initial recovery period. Strenuous activities should be avoided, and patients may need to take time off work or other responsibilities.
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Follow-up: Patients should follow all post-operative instructions provided by their surgeon and attend any scheduled follow-up appointments.
Complications
Adult tonsillectomies are generally safe procedures, but they do involve some risks and discomfort. The decision to undergo a tonsillectomy should be made after careful consideration and consultation with a healthcare provider, including an otolaryngologist (ear, nose, and throat specialist), who can assess the individual's specific condition and recommend the most appropriate treatment.
While complications are relatively rare, they can include bleeding, infection, or a delayed healing process. It's essential for patients to promptly report any unusual or concerning symptoms to their healthcare provider.