TONSILLECTOMY IS THE REMOVAL OF TONSILS. SURGERY IS DONE TO TREAT SLEEP DIFFICULTIES AND TREAT COMMON INFECTIONS. THE PROCEDURE AND RECOVERY ARE DISCUSSED.

Tonsillectomy

What is tonsillectomy?

Tonsillectomy is the removal of your tonsils. Your tonsils are located in the back of your throat. Tonsils are part of your body’s immune system, but removing them does not increase your risk of infection.

Why is tonsillectomy performed?

There are several reasons for tonsillectomy. The two most common reasons are:

• Your tonsils may cause you to have difficulty breathing during sleep. This is often seen as frequent snoring.
• Tonsillitis surgery is recommended if you have recurrent (6 or more per year) throat infections with infected and swollen tonsils (tonsillitis).

Who can undergo tonsil surgery?

Although it may seem that only children need to have their tonsils removed, adults can also benefit from having their tonsils removed.

PROCEDURE DETAILS

How is tonsillectomy performed?

Tonsillectomy can be done in many ways. The surgery will be performed under general anesthesia while you sleep. The surgery usually takes 20 to 30 minutes. You will not feel any pain while the doctor removes the tonsils. Entire tonsils are usually removed, but some patients may benefit from partial tonsillectomy.

Your doctor Evren AY KOÇ will use the best technique for the particular patient. The most common ways to remove tonsils are:

• Electrocautery : This method uses heat to remove the tonsils and stop any bleeding.
• Cold knife (steel) dissection : Tonsils are removed with a scalpel. Bleeding is then stopped with stitches or electrocautery (excessive heat).
• Harmonic scalpel : This method uses ultrasonic vibrations to simultaneously cut and stop bleeding in the tonsils.
• Other methods include  radiofrequency ablation  techniques, the use of a  carbon dioxide laser  and/or a  microdebrider  .

How long is the recovery period after tonsillectomy?

Recovery after tonsillectomy may be different for each person:

• Pain is common and may worsen 3 to 4 days after surgery. This pain is usually worse in the morning and can last up to 2 weeks. Your doctor will design a medication plan to relieve your pain.
• There may be color change where the tonsils are removed. Once the area is completely healed in about 3 to 4 weeks, the discoloration will be gone.
• After tonsillectomy, you should plan to rest at home for at least a week and limit activity for 2 weeks.
• There is a risk of bleeding after tonsillectomy. The risk decreases after 10 days.

What should you eat after tonsillectomy?

After tonsillectomy, the key to recovery is making sure you drink enough fluids. Soft and/or cold foods should be preferred. This way of eating should last for about a week, but you are free to add things to your diet as long as you can tolerate the food. You should still avoid hard and spicy foods.

Recommended items include:

• Water or other liquid
• Ice cream
• smoothies
• yogurt
• puddings
• applesauce
• Meat Water
• mashed potatoes
• Omelette

WHEN TO CALL A DOCTOR

In what cases should I call my doctor after tonsillectomy?

Contact your doctor if any of the following occur after tonsillectomy:

• Bright red blood coming from your mouth
• Fever higher than 37.8 ⁰C that does not decrease with antipyretics
• Uncontrolled intense pain

Please contact me for detailed information .