The tonsils are lymphoid tissues located on either side of the throat that play a role in protecting against infections. They are important in the functioning of the immune system in childhood, but their importance decreases with age. If the tonsils become frequently inflamed, permanently enlarged, or cause other health problems, their removal may be warranted.
Tonsil surgery (tonsillectomy)
When is tonsil surgery necessary?
Enlarged and chronically inflamed tonsils can cause several health problems that may require surgical removal:
- Breathing and speech problems: Excessively large tonsils can narrow the throat, which can impede speech, cause difficult breathing and snoring.
- Chronic tonsillitis, tonsil stones: Chronically inflamed tonsils can be a constant source of infection, which can also cause diseases of other organs.
- Peritonsillar abscess: Quinsy (peritonsillar abscess) can develop as a complication of tonsillitis and can be life-threatening if it descends into the chest cavity, so surgery is always justified in this case.
- Sleep apnea and swallowing difficulties: Excessively large tonsils can obstruct breathing, cause sleep apnea and swallowing problems.
If the size of the tonsils causes any of the above symptoms, tonsillectomy is the only option that can provide a lasting result and cure.
What preliminary tests are required?
Preoperative tests vary depending on the patient's age and condition. For children and adults under 30 years of age, an anesthesiology consultation and laboratory tests are required before surgery. For patients over 30 years of age, an ECG is added to the list of tests, and for patients over 60 years of age or smokers, a chest x-ray is required to thoroughly assess the risks of surgery.
How is tonsil surgery performed?
The operation is usually performed under general anesthesia, with the mouth held open with a suitable instrument. The tonsils and their capsule are separated from the surrounding muscle tissue using traditional surgical instruments or an electric/laser cutting instrument. The blood vessels are cauterized with an electric device to minimize bleeding. After the tonsils have been removed, the doctor will carefully check for any residual bleeding.
What should the patient do after surgery?
After the procedure, our patients spend one night in our hospital. On the day of the surgery, strict bed rest is recommended, as well as continuous pain relief and only fluid intake. After surgery, you can gradually start eating mushy foods and it is worth following this dietary restriction for at least ten days. During the recovery period, weakness, fatigue and dizziness may occur, so exercise should only be done with caution, preferably with a companion. More intense physical activity should not take place before two weeks have elapsed and only after a medical check-up.
After the surgery, the wound in the oral cavity requires extra care, so avoid direct contact with a toothbrush, rough, hard and spicy foods. A raised temperature and pain radiating into the ear are common and are a natural part of the healing process. However, if a high fever, swelling of the face or head, or significant malaise develops, immediate medical attention is required.
Full recovery takes about two weeks, but throat irritation and a foreign body sensation may persist even after this time.
What are the risks of tonsillectomy?
After tonsillectomy, the patient usually emerges from the operating theater awake and with intact pharyngeal reflexes. During the first 10-20 minutes, but also for 1-2 hours, bloody sputum, coughing and the urge to cough may occur. The anesthetic may cause weakness, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and fever. Postoperative bleeding may also occur, which is often caused by the detachment of the plaque that forms during wound healing on the 7th to 10th day after surgery. This bleeding is usually mild to moderate but may require medical intervention.
Tonsillectomy fee
You can find our current fee under the prices menu.
WHY CHOOSE DR. ROSE PRIVATE HOSPITAL?
- Highly skilled specialists, modern diagnostic and therapeutic equipment.
- Empathetic, people-centered approach. Our specialists always keep the comfort and safety of our patients in mind.
- Premium inpatient department. Available to our patients are 3 operating rooms and 24 patient rooms with 33 beds to meet all needs. The highest professional standards meet with an exclusive environment where you can heal in safety and with complete peace of mind.
- Fast and predictable appointments. We provide an appointment for the necessary intervention within 1-2 weeks of the first specialist consultation.
For all your ear, nose and throat complaints, contact the doctors at Dr. Rose Private Hospital with confidence.