Tonsillectomy (removal of tonsils)
Content
Description
Tonsillectomy (TE) is the surgical removal of the tonsils (throat).
Tonsils are most often removed when they are excessively enlarged (tonsillar hypertrophy) or when they are repeatedly inflamed - tonsillitis.
The reason may also be long-term (chronic) inflammation and obstructive sleep apnea (blockage of the airways by tonsils) and peritonsillar abscesses (purulent inflammation).
Facts
- General anesthesia
- One-day surgery
- Procedure takes about 40 minutes
- Recovery in 10 days
Classic surgery involves surgical removal of the tonsils using classic instruments (forceps, scrapers), when the tonsils are peeled from their bed.
Modern methods. Modern methods include:
- Laser tonsillectomy - the most modern method with minimal risks and shortening postoperative healing when using an operating laser
- Radiofrequency tonsillectomy - used to reduce the size of the tonsils when it is not necessary to remove them completely
- Ultrasonic tonsillectomy - uses ultrasound
Healing after tonsillectomy takes about 10 days.
Soreness and swelling may persist for several days, a liquid and mushy diet is necessary for the first week.
