A tonsillectomy is a surgical procedure that is used to remove the tonsils, which are two oval-shaped pads of tissue located in the back of your throat. The tonsils are thought to be a part of the immune system, since they produce white blood cells to fight bacteria and viruses that enter your body through the mouth. However, this also makes your tonsils especially susceptible to becoming inflamed and infected.
Why get a tonsillectomy?
Tonsillectomies are a very common and may be recommended for a number of different reasons. The most common reason for getting a tonsillectomy is to treat chronic or severe tonsillitis. Tonsillitis is painful inflammation or infection of the tonsils and is mostly found in children, since the immune system tends to be more active before puberty. Frequent episodes of tonsillitis would be defined as having more than seven episodes per year.
Tonsillectomies may also be recommended if you or your child has a bacterial infection of tonsillitis that is not improving with antibiotic treatment or continually getting worse. A tonsillar abscess is a collection of pus behind a tonsil that is usually the result of tonsillitis and may require a tonsillectomy if it cannot be treated with draining or medications.
Finally, tonsillectomies may be recommended for someone with enlarged tonsils that are interfering with their ability to breathe while they are sleeping. This condition is referred to as sleep apnea.
What happens during a tonsillectomy?
Tonsillectomies are usually performed as outpatient procedures. This means that you will typically be able to go home the same day as your surgery. However, staying overnight is a possibility if there are any complications that arise during your procedure. Overnight stays may also be recommended for small children and people with certain medical conditions.
Tonsillectomies are performed under general anesthesia, so you will be completely unaware of the procedure and will not experience any pain. After you are asleep, your surgeon will cut out the tonsils using a scalpel, or destroy the cells using a specialized surgical tool that uses high-energy heat or sound waves.
After the procedure, it is normal to be in a lot of pain. Usually, most of the pain will be located in the throat and ears, but it is also possible to feel pain in your neck and jaw as well. For this reason, your doctor will likely prescribe medications that will help you manage the pain during the healing process. You will also need to make sure that you get plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration after undergoing a tonsillectomy. Bed rest is very important for at least a few days after surgery to let your body heal. Additionally, you will need to avoid any strenuous activities for at least two weeks after the procedure.
What are the risks for complications?
Though complications after a tonsillectomy are rare, they are a possibility. If you notice any bright red blood in your nose or in your saliva, you should seek medical attention immediately. If you are running a fever of at least 102 degrees Fahrenheit, this can be cause for concern as well. Finally, if you are experiencing any problem with breathing after the procedure because of swelling in your mouth or throat, let your doctor know as soon as possible.
