Tonsils are structures that protect the body against bacteria, viruses and other microbes that enter the mouth. However, in some cases, they may be exposed to infection and become ill themselves. Frequent recurrence of tonsil infection negatively affects the general health of children and may require tonsillectomy. Tonsillectomy, known in medicine as tonsillectomy, is a surgical procedure in which the tonsils are removed. With tonsillectomy, complaints such as recurrent tonsillitis, snoring and breathing difficulties due to large tonsils are treated.
What is Tonsil?
People who have problems with their tonsils may often ask the question “What are tonsils used for?” Tonsils are oval-shaped, lymphoid tissues located on both sides of the throat and are part of the immune system. These lymphoid tissues help produce the cells that make up the body’s immune system. Tonsils are the first line of defense that prevents various microbes such as bacteria and viruses from entering the body, and therefore they have an important place in the immune system. However, the role of tonsils on the immune system is not vital. For this reason, if taken, it does not significantly affect the body’s immune resistance and does not affect people’s lives.
In what cases is tonsillectomy performed?
Tonsil removal surgery is a surgical intervention that involves removing the tonsils. It is generally applied to pediatric patients and in cases where there is no response to antibiotics and other drug treatments. Apart from children, tonsillectomy can also be performed on adults. Tonsils contain white blood cells with which the body fights against germs. However, in some cases, the tonsils themselves become infected and may become unable to function. The most important factor that requires tonsillectomy is the frequent inflammation of the tonsils. This condition mostly causes swollen tonsils and sore throat . Inflammation of the tonsils may also cause fever and difficulty swallowing. Apart from the treatment of tonsillitis, tonsillectomy can also be performed in cases of snoring and sleep apnea due to large tonsils . Conditions that generally require tonsillectomy are as follows:
- Frequently recurring tonsillitis
- Respiratory problems due to swelling of the tonsils
- Frequent and loud snoring
- Having trouble breathing during sleep, in other words, sleep apnea
- bleeding tonsils
- Persistent bad breath caused by pus and debris in the tonsil area
- tonsil cancer
- Other diseases of the tonsil
In addition to improving the conditions mentioned above, performing tonsillectomy may also benefit the following:
- Less sore throat
- Not having to use antibiotics frequently
- No disruption in going to school or work
- Decrease in situations requiring a visit to the doctor
- Better general health
What Procedures Are Performed Before Tonsillectomy?
After the decision to perform tonsillectomy is made, the surgery date is determined and the patient and their relatives are informed about the operation. The surgeon who will perform the surgery obtains information about the medications and supplements the patient uses and, if necessary, may request that these medications be discontinued some time before the surgery. The removal of the tonsils is performed under general anesthesia and takes an average of half an hour. After the operation, patients are usually discharged on the same day; However, if necessary, they may need to stay in hospital for 1 night. Apart from these, some of the procedures generally performed before tonsillectomy are as follows:
- Discontinuing medications that may increase the risk of bleeding during and after surgery approximately 2 weeks before the operation
- Herbs that may increase bleeding tendency, such as ginkgo biloba and St. John’s wort, and food supplements containing these herbs should not be used until approximately 2 weeks before surgery.
- To apply anesthesia, stop eating and drinking, including water, one night before the tonsillectomy procedure.
- Questioning history of allergy or sensitivity to drugs used in anesthesia procedures
- Performing the necessary blood tests and other tests before undergoing surgery
How is Tonsil Surgery Performed?
Several different types of surgical intervention can be performed during tonsillectomy. The most commonly used method is cold knife dissection. In this method, the surgeon performing the surgery removes the tonsils with a scalpel. Another surgical method is cauterization. This process means burning the tonsil tissues. Ultrasonic vibration, cold evaporation or laser may also be applied in some tonsillectomy procedures. All surgical methods applied during tonsillectomy follow the same principle and are completed in an average of 30-45 minutes. Regardless of the surgical technique applied during the surgery, general anesthesia is preferred as the form of anesthesia. Under general anesthesia, patients are fully asleep and do not feel any pain during the surgery. At the end of the surgery, patients are taken to the recovery rooms where their blood pressure and heart rate are checked. After a successful tonsillectomy, patients are usually discharged on the same day. After tonsil removal, full recovery takes approximately 2-3 weeks.
Tonsillectomy Risks
Tonsillectomy is a common surgical procedure and generally does not pose risks. However, some undesirable situations that may occur in every surgery may occur, even if they are rare. In rare cases, some complications may develop during and after tonsillectomy. Some of the complications that may occur after surgery can be listed as follows:
- Swelling in the throat: Swelling of the palate and tongue may occur within a few hours after surgery, which may make breathing difficult.
- Infection: Apart from tonsillectomy, infection from outside or wounds in the throat becoming infected before they heal. The main factors that predispose to this situation are that the patient does not use his/her throat sufficiently after the surgery, that is, does not drink enough water or eat enough food.
- Pain: Pain in the pharynx area immediately after the surgery. This situation is not actually a complication; It is an almost inevitable effect of surgery. This pain usually lasts 7-10 days and then stops within days.
- Dehydration: Sore throat and swelling after surgery can make it difficult to drink water. Accordingly, the body may lose more water than normal.
- Bleeding: Bleeding in the area where the tonsils were removed during and immediately after the surgery. Early bleeding occurs in the first 6 hours following surgery. Therefore, it is important to stay in the hospital in the hours following the surgery. Late bleeding occurs between the 2nd and 15th days following surgery. can be seen on days. One of the most common reasons is that the patient avoids eating or drinking due to pain in the throat.
Reaction to anesthetic drugs : Some side effects such as vomiting, nausea and muscle pain may occur due to the drugs used during anesthesia.
What to Pay Attention to After Tonsillectomy?
There are some factors that should be taken into consideration in order to have a faster recovery time after tonsillectomy. The most important of these is to have a good rest for the first 3-4 days after the operation. Another factor is the relief of pain in the throat and pharynx area, which is common after surgery . Apart from this, attention should also be paid to the patient’s nutrition. In hospitals, patients recovering from surgery are first fed with ice cream or cold milk desserts. In the following days after the surgery, the patient should be given cold and liquid foods. Especially pediatric patients may refuse to drink water due to sore throat. Children who do not drink enough water may experience fever, usually in the evening, due to lack of fluid. To prevent this, pediatric patients should be ensured to drink plenty of water. Apart from water, patients should consume foods that are liquid-based and have high nutritional value, such as soups, fruit purees, and compotes. Another point to consider regarding nutrition is that spicy, hot and solid foods should be avoided to avoid irritation of the surgery site. Apart from these, it is considered normal to have earache approximately 4-5 days after the surgery. There may also be bad breath a few days after the surgery. In general, these effects disappear on their own after 7-10 days. In addition to all these, another point to consider is the regular use of painkillers and other medications recommended by the doctor performing the surgery.
If you or your child has health problems related to tonsils that recur frequently, tonsillectomy may be needed. For this, you can apply to a health institution and have the necessary examination and tests done.
