Tonsillectomy
What Are Tonsils?
Tonsils are small glands located at the back of the throat that play a role in the immune system by producing white blood cells to fight infections. They act as the first line of defense against bacteria and viruses entering through the mouth.
Inflamed Tonsils
Tonsils can become inflamed and infected, a condition more common in children due to their developing immune systems. This can result in discomfort, breathing difficulties, and recurrent infections.
What Is a Tonsillectomy?
Tonsillectomy is a surgical procedure to remove the palatine tonsils from the back of the throat. It is primarily performed to address:
- Chronic throat infections.
- Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and other breathing issues caused by enlarged tonsils.
Recovery Time: Typically, 10 days to 2 weeks.
Complications of Enlarged Tonsils
Enlarged tonsils can lead to:
- Breathing difficulties.
- Disrupted sleep or sleep apnea.
- Difficulty swallowing.
- Rare tonsil diseases requiring removal.
- Cancerous tonsil tissue (in rare cases).
When Is Tonsillectomy Required?
This procedure is recommended for patients with:
- Recurrent or chronic tonsillitis.
- Complications from enlarged tonsils.
- Bleeding tonsils.
- Specific rare conditions involving the tonsils.
Our Specialties
How Is Tonsillectomy Performed?
The surgery typically takes 20–30 minutes and can be customized based on the patient’s needs.
Techniques Include:
- Electrocautery: Uses heat to remove tonsils and control bleeding.
- Cold Knife (Steel) Dissection: Removes tonsils with a scalpel; bleeding is managed with electrocautery or stitches.
- Harmonic Scalpel: Uses ultrasonic frequency vibrations for the procedure.
- Other Methods: Radiofrequency ablation, carbon dioxide laser, or microdebrider.
Risks Associated with Tonsillectomy
While the procedure is generally safe, potential risks include:
- Anesthesia Reaction: Temporary side effects like headache, nausea, or vomiting. Rarely, severe complications can occur.
- Swelling: Tongue and soft palate swelling may cause temporary breathing difficulties.
- Bleeding:
- During surgery (rare).
- Postoperative bleeding due to scab dislodgement during healing.
- Infection: Requires additional treatment.
Before Surgery
Preoperative Evaluation Includes:
- Assessing ongoing medications and potential reactions to anesthesia.
- Checking for bleeding disorders or allergies.
Patient Instructions:
- Stop anticoagulants 2 weeks before surgery.
- Maintain an 8-hour fasting period before the procedure.
- Follow dietary restrictions and recovery guidelines provided by the surgeon.
What to Expect
During Surgery:
- Performed as an outpatient procedure in most cases.
- High-tech instrumentation ensures precision and safety.
After Surgery:
- Pain is common and managed with prescribed medications.
- Adequate fluid intake is critical to recovery.
- Rest for 2 weeks and avoid physically taxing activities.
When to See a Doctor
Contact your surgeon immediately if you experience:
- Bleeding.
- High fever (>101°F).
- Signs of dehydration (e.g., reduced fluid intake).
- Weakness, headache, or difficulty breathing.
- Any other unexpected symptoms.
Why Choose Sahaj Hospital for Tonsillectomy?
At Sahaj Hospital, Indore, we offer expert care with advanced surgical techniques for safe and effective tonsil removal. Our team ensures a comfortable experience with comprehensive pre- and post-operative support.
Schedule your consultation today at Sahaj Hospital for trusted care and optimal recovery from tonsil-related issues.