Tonsillectomy

Fig.2: Tonsillar hypertrophy, grade 4 according to Friedman

https://www.mdpi.com/732192

Tonsillectomy indications

  • Inflammatory causes:
    1. Recurrent acute tonsillitis
      • 7 or more episodes of acute tonsillitis in the last year
      • 5 or more episodes of acute tonsillitis per year in the past 2 years
      • 3 or more episodes of acute tonsillitis per year in the last 3 years
      • 1 or more episodes of acute tonsillitis per year in the past 5 years
    2. Peritonsillar abscess, especially after the first relapse
    3. Bad breath (Halitosis), due to chronic tonsillitis, unresponsive to conservative treatment
  • Obstructive causes:
    1. Hypertrophy of the tonsils, with difficulty breathing and swallowing
    2. Snoring – Obstructive sleep apnea, which can lead to cardiopulmonary complications such as right heart failure, pulmonary hypertension, right ventricular hypertrophy
  • Other causes:
    1. Unilateral tonsil hypertrophy, suspected of malignancy
    2. Cervical lymph node metastasis, of unknown primary etiology

Instructions after tonsillectomy

  • The most important condition for the patient's recovery after surgery is the intake of plenty of cold fluids, such as water and apple juice. Avoid acidic and carbonated drinks.
  • Food should be well cooked, soft and cold. In the first few days the patient may be reluctant to eat due to pain. Consequently, some weight loss may be observed, which will be fully recovered once he returns to his eating habits.
  • Mild snoring and mouth breathing may be observed due to the presence of postoperative swelling. It will go away within 2 weeks of surgery.
  • Decimal febrile movement, can be observed in the first twenty-four hours. For fever over 38, contact the treating physician.
  • Post-operative halitosis will subside within 2 weeks.
  • Possible presence of food regurgitation, subsides within 2-4 weeks.
  • Bathing with cool water can be done from the second day.
  • Avoid any vigorous physical activity for 14 days.
  • Avoid social contact for 14 days.
  • Blood spots may be seen in the saliva. If you see bright, red blood, contact your doctor immediately. Bleeding may occur up to 14 days after surgery.
  • Almost all patients will experience mild to severe pain postoperatively. Children under three complain of pain for about one week, while older children and adults for two weeks. Reflex otalgia may be observed. Pain control is carried out by taking paracetamol or ibuprofen, while taking aspirin and any other anti-inflammatory drug is prohibited.

To find out about the tonsillectomy surgery, make an appointment at the following link.

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