Tonsillectomy is the surgical removal of your tonsils. It is done to treat sleep-related breathing problems or common infections. While surgeons perform tonsillectomies less frequently than they used to, the procedure is still common today. Tonsillectomy recovery takes up to two weeks.

What is tonsillectomy?

Tonsillectomy means the surgical removal of your tonsils. Your tonsils are round, fleshy masses in the back of your throat. If you are an individual who has not had a tonsillectomy, you will have one on each side of your throat.

Often surgeons remove entire parts of your tonsils during this procedure. But some people may only need a partial tonsillectomy.

Why is tonsillectomy performed?

Health professionals recommend tonsillectomy (tonsillectomy) for two main reasons:

•  To treat respiratory sleep disorders such as sleep apnea .
•  To reduce the risk of infection in people with frequent or chronic tonsillitis .

While most tonsillectomies treat children, adults can also benefit from the procedure.

How common is tonsillectomy?

Tonsillectomies are not as common today as they were a few decades ago. Still, surgeons currently perform more than 50,000 tonsillectomies each year in our country.

PROCEDURE DETAILS

What happens before a tonsillectomy?

Before surgery, your healthcare provider will perform a routine check to make sure you are healthy enough for surgery. They may also order a blood test.

Your healthcare provider will give you a list of detailed pre-operative instructions. You should follow these instructions closely.

What happens during tonsillectomy?

Your healthcare provider will give you general  anesthesia to keep you asleep and comfortable during your procedure  . Then they will remove your tonsils. You will not feel pain in this step. Surgeons use many methods to perform tonsillectomy, including:

• Electrocautery  : This method uses heat to remove the tonsils and stop bleeding.
• Cold blade (steel) dissection  : A surgeon uses a scalpel (traditional surgical blade) to remove your tonsils. They then stop the bleeding with electrocautery (extreme heat) or stitches.
• Snare tonsillectomy  : The surgeon uses a special surgical tool called a snare, which has a thin wire loop at the end. Once your surgeon has released your tonsil, they will place this device around it to clamp it. This helps reduce bleeding.
• Harmonic scalpel  : This method uses ultrasonic vibrations to remove your tonsils and stop bleeding at the same time.
• Other methods include the use of radiofrequency ablation  techniques,  carbon dioxide lasers  , and/or a  microdebrider  (which uses a combination of suction and shearing).

How long does tonsillectomy take?

In most cases, a tonsillectomy takes about 20 to 30 minutes to complete. In some cases it may take longer.

What happens after a tonsillectomy?

After your tonsillectomy, your medical team will transfer you to a recovery room. There, your provider will check your vital signs (blood pressure, heart rate, and blood oxygen levels) and make sure there are no complications after surgery.

Tonsillectomy is usually an outpatient procedure. This means you can go home the same day. Complications are rare, but if they occur, your provider may keep you in the hospital overnight to monitor your progress.

RISKS / BENEFITS

What are the advantages of tonsillectomy?

Having a tonsillectomy can provide many benefits, including:

• Better sleep quality.
• Less infection.
• Improved quality of life.

What are the risks of having tonsillectomy?

Although complications are rare, they can happen. Some possible risks include:

• Infection.
• Excessive bleeding (during or after tonsillectomy).
• Swelling of your tongue or   the roof  of your mouth  .
• Reaction to anesthesia.
• Postoperative bleeding.

RECOVERY AND VIEW

What is the recovery period for tonsillectomy?

On average, most people recover completely in about two weeks. The overall recovery time depends on several factors, including the type of tonsillectomy you had, your body’s healing capacity, and whether you experienced any complications.

Tonsillectomy recovery stages

Although recovery looks a little different for everyone, here’s a general timeline of what you can expect during tonsillectomy recovery:

One to two days after tonsillectomy

• Sore throat.
• Low grade  fever  .
• Tiredness  _
• bad  breath
• Speech difficulty/  hoarseness  .
• A feeling of fullness in your throat (due to swelling).

Three to five days after tonsillectomy

• Ongoing sore throat that may worsen around the third or fourth day.
• Burnout.

5 to 10 days after tonsillectomy

• Scabbing.
• Light bleeding that occurs when the scabs eventually fall off.

What can I eat after tonsillectomy ?

Drinking plenty of fluids is key to a successful tonsillectomy recovery. You’ll also probably want to eat soft, cold foods for the first week. You can start solid foods when your comfort allows, but you should avoid hard and spicy foods because they can irritate the surgery area. Consulting a dietitian can also help you gain different nutrition methods.

Food and drink recommendations during tonsillectomy recovery include:

• Water, tea and juice.
• Ice cream.
• Desserts.
• Yogurt.
• Pudding.
• Applesauce.
• Meat Water.
• Mashed potatoes.
• Omelette.

When can I return to work or school?

It is best to take at least 10 days off work or school after tonsillectomy. Staying at home helps reduce your risk of catching a cold or other infections after surgery.

WHEN SHOULD I CALL THE DOCTOR?

When should I see my doctor?

After a tonsillectomy, you should call your healthcare provider if you develop the following:

• Excessive bleeding.
• difficulty breathing
• Pain that worsens after five days or does not improve with pain medication.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Signs of dehydration.
• Fever greater than 101 degrees Fahrenheit (38.3 Celsius) that is not relieved by medication.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Is tonsillectomy very painful?

You can expect to feel some discomfort after tonsillectomy. In general, recovery is more difficult for adults than for children. This is a normal side effect and will go away within a few weeks. Your healthcare provider will give you medications and post-surgical instructions to ease your discomfort.

Does not having tonsils affect your immune system?

Many people   wonder whether removing their tonsils will have a negative effect on their immune system . Research shows that having a tonsillectomy does not cause reduced immunity. In fact, some studies show that the opposite is true: Many people who undergo tonsillectomy experience an improved immune response. Remember, though – even if you have your tonsils removed, the tissues in your throat can still become infected and sore.

Tonsillectomy is the surgical removal of your tonsils. Surgeons perform the procedure to treat respiratory sleep disorders or chronic tonsillitis. If you have frequent tonsil infections or have difficulty breathing during sleep, ask your doctor if a tonsillectomy might help .