Our tonsils – the two small glands located in the back of the throat – contain white blood cells that help our body fight infections. However, the tonsils themselves can also become infected, swelling and giving you a sore throat.
While the condition can go away on its own or be treated with antibiotics, you may need to undergo tonsil removal surgery (tonsillectomy) if you have frequent episodes of tonsillitis. A tonsillectomy may also be necessary to treat breathing-related problems like heavy snoring and sleep apnea.
Who Requires A Tonsillectomy?
Tonsillitis and the need for tonsillectomies are more common in children, as tonsillitis caused by bacteria is most prevalent in children ages 5 to 15. Moreover, school-age children are constantly in close contact with their peers. As a result, they are more likely to be exposed to viruses or bacteria causing the condition. With that said, people of all ages, including adults, can experience issues with their tonsils and require surgery.
However, one or two cases of tonsillitis are not sufficient to warrant tonsil removal. Instead, tonsillectomy is a treatment option for those often sick with tonsillitis or strep throat. If you have had at least three or more episodes of tonsillitis in the past year, consult an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist about whether the procedure is a suitable tonsillitis treatment option for you.
An ENT doctor may also consider tonsillectomy as a treatment for the following medical problems:
- Breathing issues related to swollen tonsils
- Cancer of the tonsils
- Persistent and loud snoring
- Sleep apnea
- Tumours or growth developing from the tonsils
How To Prepare For A Tonsillectomy
Before the tonsillectomy, an ENT doctor will conduct a routine check to ensure you are fit for the procedure. If you have any concerns, do not hesitate to clarify them with the specialist before surgery. Your healthcare provider will also provide you with a list of detailed preoperative instructions to follow closely.
Generally, you will be expected to fast for at least 6 hours prior to the procedure. That means abstaining from any foods or drinks. The primary purpose of fasting is to prevent any regurgitation of food particles into the throat during intubation.
As the tonsil removal procedure is performed under general anaesthesia, it is usually done as an outpatient surgery, meaning you can go home after a few hours of observation. We recommend having a family member accompany you on the day of the surgery to ensure you get home safely, as you may still be feeling the effects of the anaesthesia. The doctor will also recommend staying home from work or school for about a week following surgery.
What Happens During A Tonsillectomy?
Tonsillectomy can be carried out in several different ways. A common method for tonsil removal involves a process called cauterisation, where the surgeon burns away the tissues with a specialised surgical tool that utilises heat. Ultrasonic vibration, using sound waves, may also be used in some circumstances.
Regardless of the surgical method chosen, a metal gag instrument is necessary to press the tongue flat, enabling the surgeon to get an unobstructed view of the back of the throat to reach the tonsils. Rest assured that you will not feel any discomfort throughout surgery as you will under general anaesthesia. The entire procedure should take less than 30 minutes to complete.
What Are The Risks Of A Tonsillectomy?
A tonsillectomy is a routine procedure. However, like any surgery, there are several risks and complications to consider.
Recovering From Tonsillectomy
Generally, most patients require about 2 weeks to recover from tonsil removal surgery. However, the recuperation period will also depend on several factors, such as possible complications, the type of tonsillectomy you had, and your body’s healing capacity.
You may also experience the following issues in the first few weeks of recovery:
- A feeling of something stuck in the throat
- Anxiety or sleep disturbances in children
- Bad breath for up to 2 weeks
- Mild fever for several days
- Moderate to severe sore throat for 1 to 2 weeks
- Nausea and vomiting for a few days
- Pain in the ears, jaw, or neck
- Swelling of the throat or tongue
However, rest assured that this is normal, and you need not be alarmed. Follow the tonsillectomy recovery tips provided by the doctor and ensure you get plenty of rest, especially in the first 2 to 3 days after surgery.
Avoid anything hard, crunchy, or spicy for several days after your tonsillectomy. Instead, opt for soft foods like ice cream, mashed potatoes, oatmeal, yoghurt, noodles, and soup. If you plan to have something hot, consider cooling the food to room temperature first. In addition, remember to keep yourself hydrated. The colder the liquid, the better for managing your post-surgery discomfort.
Meanwhile, take the pain medication as prescribed by the doctor, as it can help manage your discomfort. If you snore during the first 2 weeks after the procedure, rest assured that it is expected. However, if you experience bleeding, run a fever after a tonsillectomy, or encounter difficulty breathing after the first 2 weeks, consult a healthcare provider immediately.
While recovering from tonsillectomy might not be a pleasant experience, the procedure offers immediate relief for your ailments and can significantly improve your quality of life. If you are unsure whether a tonsil removal surgery is suitable to treat your current condition, do not hesitate to consult our ENT specialist, Dr Ker Liang. Our clinic is conveniently located at Mount Elizabeth, Orchard.
