What is Tonsillectomy?
Tonsillectomy is the procedure to remove one or both of the soft tissues at the back of the throat on either side of the mouth, leaving part of the tissue behind to regrow until it functions normally. Recommended for patients suffering from chronic tonsil inflammation called tonsillitis, breathing problems during sleep (Sleep apnea), acute tonsillitis when ongoing medication doesn’t work, difficulty in swallowing, or in some cases, tonsil cancers.
Types of Tonsillectomy
There are two categories under which tonsillectomy surgeries are divided:
- Based on the condition of how tissue is removed: Extracapsular (single unit) Intracapsular (in pieces), and tonsil laser surgery.
- Based on the method used to perform the surgery: cold-knife, harmonic scalpel, bipolar radiofrequency ablation (Coblation), electrocautery (heat), and snare (a thin wire loop).
| Procedure Name | Tonsil Removal |
|---|---|
| Type of Surgery | Open or laparoscopic surgery |
| Type of Anesthesia | Local anesthesia |
| Procedure Duration | About 1 hour |
| Recovery Duration | 3-6 weeks |
Tonsil Removal: Pre-Op & Post-Op Care
Before Tonsils treatment
A consultation session is held with the surgeon to discuss the procedure and desired outcomes. The surgeon may perform a complete blood test and instruct to refrain from blood-thinning medication. Inform the surgeon about any past medical conditions or allergies, and finally, the instructions for complete fasting before the surgery are given.
Tonsillectomy Procedure
This procedure is performed between 30–45 minutes by an otolaryngologist or a general physician, with the patient under general anaesthesia positioned supine on the operating table, and the surgeon excises the tonsil as a single unit or in pieces depending upon the type of procedure performed, the severity of the condition, and the patient’s treatment choice.
After Tonsillectomy and Recovery Time
Patients can experience mild discomfort like sore throat and pain in the jaw, ear, or neck after tonsillectomy surgery for a few days. Complete healing of the treated area takes 1–2 weeks, and you can indulge in routine strenuous activities after 2–3 weeks. For the recovery phase after the discharge, make a habit of taking proper rest, sucking on ice cubes, drinking plenty of fluids, and consuming soft foods. Take medications for pain as prescribed by the doctors, and watch out for the signs of infections if medications are not responding properly.
Benefits of Tonsil Removal at Yashoda Hospitals
- Reduced pain.
- Improved sleep.
- Reduces bacterial resistance to infection-fighting drugs.
- Relief from sleep disorders like sleep apnoea.
- Fewer throat infections, especially for children.
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