Can an adult need a tonsillectomy? Discover the reasons for tonsil removal, how to prepare, the surgical process, potential risks, and recovery timeline for adults undergoing this procedure.

Understanding Tonsillectomy: When is it Needed for Adults?

A tonsillectomy is a surgical procedure to remove the tonsils, two clumps of tissue located at the back of the upper throat. While tonsil removal is commonly associated with children, adults can also require this operation for various reasons.

Common Reasons for Adult Tonsillectomies

The most common reason for an adult tonsillectomy is chronic throat infection, also known as recurrent tonsillitis. Adults who have had several sore throats over the course of 1 to 3 years or have experienced a persistent sore throat and swollen tonsils due to infection for at least 3 months may be candidates for tonsil removal. Even if the sore throat improves with antibiotics, the condition often returns once the treatment is complete.

Other reasons an adult may need a tonsillectomy include:

• Obstructive sleep apnea caused by swollen tonsils blocking the upper airway
• Persistent bad breath due to a buildup of pus and debris in the tonsil area
• Cancer that has spread from the head or neck region

Research indicates that women are about twice as likely as men to undergo a tonsillectomy as adults.

Preparing for an Adult Tonsillectomy

Before the procedure, your doctor will want to know about any medications or supplements you are currently taking, including over-the-counter drugs like aspirin, as well as any personal or family history of anesthetic reactions or bleeding disorders. You may be advised to stop taking certain medications, such as aspirin, ginkgo biloba, and St. John’s wort, for a period of time before the surgery.

Additionally, you will be instructed to refrain from eating or drinking anything after midnight the night before the procedure, with the exception of small amounts of approved liquids, as directed by your doctor.

The Tonsillectomy Procedure for Adults

The tonsillectomy surgery typically takes 30 to 45 minutes and is performed under general anesthesia, ensuring you are asleep and pain-free during the procedure. The surgeon may use a scalpel, or a tool that utilizes heat, sound waves (ultrasound), laser, or cold temperatures to gently remove the tonsils. In some cases, the adenoids, which are part of the immune system and sit behind the nose and roof of the mouth, may also be removed in a separate procedure called an adenoidectomy.

Recovering from an Adult Tonsillectomy

After the surgery, your vital signs will be closely monitored as you wake up from the anesthesia. You may experience side effects such as nausea, vomiting, pain in the ears, neck, or jaw, a mild fever, and a sensation of something being stuck in your throat. These are all common during the recovery process.

Most adults need about two weeks to fully recover from a tonsillectomy. During this time, it’s important to watch for any signs of complications, such as dehydration, infection, excessive bleeding, or difficulty breathing, and to contact your doctor if any concerns arise.

Potential Risks and Complications of Adult Tonsillectomy

While tonsillectomy is generally considered a safe procedure for adults, there are some potential risks and complications that can occur, including:

• Dehydration
• Infection (rare, but a small risk with most surgeries)
• Persistent pain
• Pneumonia
• Excessive bleeding (hemorrhaging), which is rare but can happen during the healing process
• Swelling, particularly in the first few hours after surgery, which can make breathing more difficult

Adults with a history of pus-filled tonsil infections (peritonsillar abscesses) or those who have used antibiotics frequently in the past year are more likely to experience these complications.

Will the Tonsil Problem Return After Surgery?

In most cases, the removal of the tonsils effectively resolves the underlying issue, whether it was chronic infection, obstructive sleep apnea, or persistent bad breath. However, in rare instances, the tonsil problem may return, and further medical intervention may be necessary.