Tonsillectomy is a surgical procedure to remove the tonsils. The tonsils are part of the lymphatic system, which is responsible for fighting infection.
Tonsils are removed when a person, most often a child, has any of the following conditions:
Physicians are not in complete agreement on the number of sore throats that necessitate a tonsillectomy. Most would agree that four cases of strep throat in any one year; six or more episodes of tonsillitis in one year; or five or more episodes of tonsillitis per year for two years indicate that the tonsils should be removed.
A tonsillectomy is one of the most common surgical procedures among children. It is uncommon among adults. More than 400,000 tonsillectomies are performed
A tonsillectomy is usually performed under general anesthesia, although adults may occasionally receive a local anesthetic. The surgeon depresses the tongue in order to see the throat, and removes the tonsils with an instrument resembling a scoop.
Alternate methods for removing tonsils are being investigated, including lasers and other electronic devices.
Tonsillectomy procedures are not performed as frequently today as they once were. One reason for a more conservative approach is the risk involved when a person is put under general anesthesia.
In some cases, a tonsillectomy may need to be modified or postponed:
Persons are turned on their side after the operation to prevent the possibility of blood being drawn into the lungs (aspirated). Vital signs are monitored. Patients can drink water and other non-irritating liquids when they are fully awake.
Adults are usually warned to expect a very sore throat and some bleeding after the operation. They are given antibiotics to prevent infection, and some receive pain-relieving medications. For at least the first 24 hours, individuals are instructed to drink fluids and eat soft, pureed foods.
People are usually sent home the day of surgery. They are given instructions to call their surgeon if there is bleeding or earache, or fever that lasts longer than three days. They are told to expect a white scab to form in the throat between five and 10 days after surgery.
There is a chance that children with previously normal speech will develop a nasal-sounding voice. In addition, children younger than five years may be emotionally upset by the hospital experience. There are risks associated with any surgical procedure, including post-operative infection and bleeding.
Normal results include the correction of the condition for which the surgery was performed.
Morbidity other than minor post-surgical infection is uncommon. About one in every 15,000 tonsillectomies ends in death, either from the anesthesia or bleeding five to seven days after the operation.
There are no alternatives to surgical removal of the tonsils. Drug therapy may be used for recurrent infections involving the tonsils.
See also Adenoidectomy .
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L. Fleming Fallon, Jr., MD, Dr.PH.
A tonsillectomy is performed in an outpatient facility associated with a hospital by a general surgeon or otolaryngologist (physician who specializes in treating disorders of the ear, nose, and throat).
is there any risk or compications for adults (61 years old), to have tonsillectomy?
if so, what are they?
Can this be caused easily by a tonsillectomy or is it a rare occurence and why it is so rare?
thank you
My 4 yrs son is suffering every night, he hardly swollow, he is a mouth breather, he snores, he can
t express what hurts, but I i can understand that it hurts?
I'm afraid to do the operation, Is there any other way??
Kindly please reply on my email. thanks
He nurses still, but Im worried if he wont drink after.
and I was wondering if they bleed on the 2 week when you got down with the surgry.
Regards
Cindy
Thankyou, I will keep an eye on my email for a reply
please send answer to..amna-only@hotmail.com
from sudan>>>with thanks
my 4 and 1/2 year old daughter has got the tonsillitis. during the last three months she suffered twice the infection and the doctors prescribed Zinnet and Augmentin antibiotic. I am afraid what is next. I do not want to go for surgery. is there any other way or any homeopathy or ayurvedic treatment available? Please do reply.
thanks
Is normal for tongue to be be whiteish after
Even brushing
is this normal, becuase it is worse then the pain in my throat.
My 19months old daughter had tonsiilectomy on the 18th of November 2011. After the operation she stopped eating and drinking. She was kept in the hospital for 4 days. Everyday she is drinking only 250/300ml water, juice. She used to be bottle fed and used to drink 500ml milk everyday but after the operation she is not touching the bottle at all.Though she is still active. I am giving her some pain relieves madicine and atibiotics which is given by doctor. Do you think She will be alright? or I've to take her to the hospital again. Please suggest.
I'm a 38 year old that had my tonsils taken out Oct 20th 2011. And I still have a problem tasting foods and liquids they all have a bitter taste or after taste to it.And my muscles in my throat seem to feel tight when I swallow yet.I had told my doctor for my check-up app and was told to take prilosec otc for 14 days did that and no difference. I thought it was all part of a healing process for my age but, I am getting fustrated with not being able to taste my foods a drinks. Please help
is it possable for tonsilectomy to'be done twice within 12 months? I was operated on for tonsilitis 5 months ago but now i am still feel the same symtoms i was feelling before the operation. Please if this is normal or if the tonsilitis is back again.
i do have tonsilitis , im taking eretromycin 1/day and cloaxacillin 3/day but it seems recovery
is too slow, but my very concern is that, in a few week is my flight going to Qatar and i need to recover asap for my medical unless i am sending back. what will i do?
~~i just want to ask, what are the do's and dont's after tonsillectomy. i didn't ask my doctor about it yet. just so scared about my upcoming operation. :) hope to hear feedback from this blog.:)
is there any postive cmments regarding the procedure? any good experience?
So all I need to know is if I cut my tonsils off. would I face any complications in near future??
Please advice.
What are the tonsillectomy complications for a child?
Afte 4 month my tonsillectomy surgery again I am facing throat infection and throat seem to feel tight when I swallow yet. sometimes I am feeling eching and ear pain.