Tonsils Surgery :

INDICATIONS OF TONSILLITIS SURGERY / WHO REQUIRES AN TONSILLECTOMY?

Tonsillitis surgery, also known as Tonsillectomy, is performed when an individual's tonsils are enlarged, partially blocking their airway and causing various complications. This procedure is most commonly performed on children.

Indications that a person may require a Tonsillectomy include:

• Trouble breathing : Enlarged tonsils can interrupt the airways, making it difficult for an individual to breathe. This can cause mouth breathing or snoring.
• Trouble sleeping : An individual may experience difficulty sleeping due to inadequate breathing, leading to sleep apnea.
• Repeated ear infections : Frequent ear infections or the presence of fluid in the ear may indicate the need for a Tonsillectomy.
• Chronic Tonsillitis : In this condition, the tonsils may be infected and swollen for more than 7 weeks, indicating the need to remove them.

TYPES OF TONSILLITIS SURGERY

There are two types of tonsillitis surgeries

• Traditional tonsillectomy and intracapsular tonsillectomy. In a traditional tonsillectomy, the surgeon removes both infected tonsils entirely without leaving any remnants behind.
• On the other hand, in an intracapsular tonsillectomy, the surgeon removes only the infected part of the tonsils and leaves the uninfected or healthy layer behind. However, in this procedure, there is a slight chance that the remnants (remaining tissue) may re-grow and cause infection, which might require another tonsillectomy.

PREPARATION BEFORE THE SURGERY

Before undergoing surgery, it is crucial to follow all the instructions given by your healthcare team. Here are some common things to keep in mind:

• Refrain from taking certain medications such as aspirin and ibuprofen.
• Mention any drug history to your specialist.
• stop eating and drinking a few hours before the surgery.
• Avoid chewing gum, cough drops, and hard candy as they may delay the surgery.
• Monitor your health and inform your healthcare team of any symptoms like cold, flu or other respiratory infection.
• Discuss the details of the procedure with the surgeon, especially regarding the anesthesia, and voice out any concerns you may have before the surgery day

TONSILLECTOMY PROCEDURE

The Tonsillectomy Procedure typically takes 20 to 30 minutes and is performed under general anesthesia while the patient is asleep. The surgeon will not make any cuts or incisions as the procedure is done through the patient's open mouth.

There are several techniques and instruments that a surgeon may use during the procedure, including:

• Electrocautery : This is the most commonly used method, where heat is used to burn the tonsils. However, this procedure can cause discomfort during post-operative recovery.
• Cold knife or scalpel dissection: This is an older and traditional method where the surgeon uses a scalpel to remove the tonsils. Bleeding is controlled with electrocautery or sutures.
• Microdebrider tonsillectomy : This procedure uses a rotational device to remove the tonsils and can be performed under local anesthesia. It results in minimal bleeding and faster recovery.
• Harmonic or ultrasonic dissection : This method uses ultrasonic vibrations to remove the tonsils and results in minimal bleeding.

Other methods, such as radiofrequency ablation techniques and carbon dioxide lasers, may also be used depending on the condition.

COMPLICATIONS OF TONSILLECTOMY

Tonsillectomy is a safe procedure to treat tonsillitis. It generally doesn't have any potential complications. However, rare complications may occur, including:

• Infection
• Mild pain
• A reaction to anesthesia
• Excessive bleeding (which is very rare)
• Permanent or temporary changes in vocal quality.

WHAT HAPPENS AFTER THE PROCEDURE

• After the tonsils removal procedure, the patient can usually go home on the same day as it is not a complicated surgery.
• In rare cases, the patient may be asked to stay overnight.
• Immediately after the procedure, the patient may experience temporary symptoms such as feeling sick, having a blocked nose, sore throat, sore ears, temporary change in voice (may sound like they are talking through their nose), and bad breath (halitosis).

BENEFITS OF TONSELLECTOMY OR TONSILLITIS SURGERY

By undergoing a Tonsillectomy or Tonsillitis surgery, the chances of developing an infection are significantly reduced. This is because infected tonsils can cause a lot of discomfort and pain. Moreover, enlarged tonsils can lead to sleep deprivation, which can have a detrimental impact on one's health.

• Improved Sleep Quality : After undergoing surgery, the individual may experience better sleep quality, as the infected or enlarged tonsils can cause breathing difficulties, which in turn, can lead to disrupted sleep.
• Solves Breathing Troubles : Individuals with swollen tonsils may experience breathing difficulties. However, this problem can be resolved after undergoing the surgery.

TONSILLECTOMY RECOVERY / AFTERCARE

Tonsillectomy recovery typically takes about two weeks. During this time, it is essential to follow all the instructions given by your healthcare team.

Some of the common things to keep in mind include:

• Keeping children off school or nursery for about a week to rest and recover.
• Addressing pain by taking painkillers.
• Encouraging the patient/child to resume their healthy eating habits as soon as possible.
• Consuming more fluids to stay hydrated.
• Getting plenty of rest after the surgery, as the pain may radiate to the ear, jaw, and neck.
• Sipping water or ice pops to keep yourself hydrated without hurting your throat.

HOW TO CHOOSE A SURGEON AND HOSPITAL FOR TONSILLITIS SURGERY ?

When it comes to selecting a surgeon for tonsillitis surgery, there are several important factors to consider. The surgeon's experience, training, certification, positive reviews, and references are all crucial aspects to keep in mind. It's also advisable to choose a hospital that is well-equipped with state-of-the-art technology and is easily accessible to minimize travel time. Additionally, it's better to consider the experiences of individuals who have undergone treatment for a particular condition when making decisions about treatment or surgery options, as this can help you achieve a better outcome.

Skedoc can assist you in finding information related to the best ENT surgeons and hospitals. It can also make the process of selecting the right doctor for the right advice much simpler.