I hope everybody would have heard of tonsils, but I’m pretty sure that many do not know what exactly is the function of tonsils and why they need to be removed in many people. Therefore, a brief description about tonsil and its function will give a better understanding. Tonsils are lump of tissues that are present on both sides of the throat. In early days, doctors thought that tonsils are of no use and they should be surgically removed in children to avoid tonsillitis in future. But today, research says that tonsils are our first line of defense that fights against infection, which enters through mouth, nose, and throat. In some cases tonsils may swell and become red due to bacterial or viral infection. This condition is termed as tonsillitis. Tonsillitis may or may not show any symptoms; when it shows the symptoms include – sore throat, pain while swallowing, fever, and swollen glands in the neck. Tonsillitis is very common in kids, though many adults also face the problem.
Tonsillectomy
Surgical removal of tonsils is called as tonsillectomy. Tonsillectomy is recommended in one of the following conditions
- Recurrent and persistent tonsillitis
- Inflamed tonsils that cause breathing difficulty
- Problem chewing or swallowing foods
- Snoring
- Obstructive sleep apnea (when a person stops breathing for few seconds during sleep due to blockage in the air ways
- Abscess (pus-filled cells) around the tonsil
During the surgery
Although tonsillectomy is a minor surgery that gets over in about 15 to 20 minutes, many patients and parents fear about the surgery. Therefore, knowing what exactly happens during the surgery will help the patient to prepare for the surgery. Tonsillectomy is performed usually under general anesthesia, which will help the person to sleep and feel no pain. A small tool will be placed inside the mouth to keep it open. Then the tonsils on either side of the throat will be cut and removed. Bleeding occurs, which will be controlled by the doctor. No stitches are required as the wound heals on its own. The operated person can go home few hours after surgery once they are conscious and are able to breath, swallow, and cough easily. Recovery usually takes a week or more. During recovery the person might have sore throat and might experience difficulty swallowing.
Risks of tonsillectomy
How much ever minor the surgery may be, there is always a chance of post-surgery complications. In case of tonsillectomy, the complications may be due to anesthesia or due to the surgery. Complications due to anesthesia include – adverse reaction to anesthesia and breathing problem. Surgical complications include bleeding, infection, and injury to uvula (a small soft tissue that hangs from the roof of the mouth above the root of the tongue). Very rarely, if bleeding goes unnoticed, it may cause very bad problems that result in difficulty in swallowing.
Doctor should be contacted immediately if the patient experiences bright red bleeding that does not stop for 1 or 2 minutes accompanied by fever of 101°F or above, has persistent pain even after medications, and complains of difficulty swallowing even fluids.
During recovery
Tonsillectomy is performed in the doctor’s clinic or office and the person can go home immediately after the surgery. Very rarely they will be asked to stay overnight for observation. Complete recovery after surgery will take atleast 1 or 2 weeks. It is important to keep the patient away from any infection and infectious person, atleast for a week after the surgery, as after tonsillectomy the person is more prone to infection. During recovery the patient may also experience few symptoms like sore throat, pain in the throat, difficulty swallowing, and discomfort in the ears. Some simple steps to help the patient with these symptoms include
- Taking cold liquids
- Sucking on a ice cube or eating ice-cream will help soothe the throat
- Using a dehumidifier will help to moisten the surrounding air
- Avoid visiting sick people or going to hospital
- Spend time indoor
- Taking regular pain-reliever and anti-inflammatory drug will help to have a comfortable post-operative course
Outlook
Tonsillectomy is a very common surgery performed. Though it is a minor operation many would fear by the term “SURGERY’. In many the swelling of tonsil usually resolve on its own. But the patient should not completely rely on his own guess. If tonsillitis is suspected it is better to contact the doctor immediately. Hope this article would have helped you to understand better and know more about tonsil and its removal.
