Do you need a Tonsillectomy? What are the details you should know about the procedure?

 

 

What is Tonsillectomy?

 

Tonsillectomy is a surgery to remove the tonsils.

The tonsils are glands at the back of your throat and are part of your body's immune system.The tonsils are often removed along with the adenoid glands. This surgery is done to treat difficulties in sleeping and to cure frequent infections.

 

Why is it done?

 

The two most common reasons are if:

• Your tonsils are causing difficulty in breathing during sleep. This is often seen as frequent snoring.


• You have throat infections that keep coming back (6 or more times in a year), with infected and swollen tonsils (tonsillitis).

 

How to prepare for a Tonsillectomy?

 

The doctors will advice you to stop taking anti-inflammatory medicines two weeks before your surgery. Drugs of such kind can increase your risk of bleeding during and after your surgery.

You should let your doctor know about any medications, herbs, or vitamins you’re taking.

You’ll also need to fast after midnight before your tonsillectomy.

Make sure you have someone who will  drive you home and help you for the first couple of days following your tonsillectomy.

 

 

The procedure

 

Tonsillectomy is usually done as an outpatient procedure. That means you'll be able to go home the day of the surgery.

Tonsillectomy is performed under general anesthesia, patient won't be aware of the procedure or experience pain during the surgery.

The surgeon may cut out the tonsils using a blade (scalpel) or a specialized surgical tool that uses heat or high-energy heat or sound waves to remove or destroy tissues and stop bleeding.

 

 

Risks

 

A tonsillectomy is a very common, routine procedure. However, like with other surgeries, there are some risks with this procedure. These can include:

• Bleeding. In very rare situations there may be a need for blood products or a blood transfusion.


• Infection, dehydration, prolonged pain, and/or impaired healing.


• A permanent change in voice or nasal regurgitation (Very rare).


• Failure to improve the nasal airway or resolve snoring.