What are the key indicators that suggest you might need a tonsillectomy. How often should you experience tonsillitis before considering surgery. Who is more likely to need their tonsils removed – adults or children. What are the potential risks and benefits of tonsil removal surgery.

Understanding the Role of Tonsils and When Removal is Necessary

Tonsils are an integral part of the immune system, acting as the body’s first line of defense against pathogens entering through the mouth and nose. However, in some cases, these lymphoid tissues can become more problematic than beneficial. When tonsils repeatedly become infected or inflamed, causing chronic discomfort and health issues, it may be time to consider their removal through a surgical procedure known as a tonsillectomy.

Dr. Amit Patel, a specialist in this field, emphasizes the importance of recognizing when tonsils are causing more harm than good. While tonsillectomies are more commonly performed on children, adults may also require this procedure if they experience recurrent infections or other complications related to their tonsils.

Key Symptoms Indicating the Need for Tonsil Evaluation

If you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms frequently, it’s crucial to consult with your primary care physician for a thorough evaluation:

• Severe throat pain
• White spots on your tonsils
• Painful or difficulty swallowing
• Fever
• Swollen, tender lymph nodes in your neck

These symptoms often indicate tonsillitis, an inflammation of the tonsils that can be caused by viral or bacterial infections. While occasional tonsillitis is not uncommon, frequent occurrences may warrant further investigation and potentially lead to a discussion about tonsillectomy.

Criteria for Determining the Need for a Tonsillectomy

Medical professionals use specific criteria to determine whether a tonsillectomy is necessary. These guidelines are based on the frequency of documented bacterial tonsillitis episodes:

1. Seven or more episodes in a single year
2. Five or more episodes per year for two consecutive years
3. Three or more episodes per year for three consecutive years

It’s important to note that these criteria serve as general guidelines. Healthcare providers also consider other factors, such as the severity of symptoms and the impact on a patient’s quality of life, when making recommendations about tonsil removal.

Additional Considerations for Tonsillectomy

Beyond the frequency of infections, doctors also take into account how tonsil-related issues affect a person’s daily life. Enlarged tonsils can lead to various complications, including:

• Sleep apnea
• Difficulty swallowing
• Unintended weight loss

If you’re experiencing any of these issues due to the size of your tonsils, it’s crucial to discuss them with your healthcare provider, as they may influence the decision to recommend a tonsillectomy.

Tonsillectomy in Adults vs. Children: What’s the Difference?

While the surgical procedure for tonsillectomy is essentially the same for both adults and children, there are some notable differences in the recovery process. Adults typically experience a longer and more challenging recovery period compared to children.

For adult patients, recovery can take up to two weeks, as the area requiring healing is larger. Children, on the other hand, tend to experience less soreness following surgery and often recover within one week. This difference in recovery time is an important consideration for adults contemplating the procedure, especially when planning time off work or other responsibilities.

Recovery Recommendations for Tonsillectomy Patients

Regardless of age, certain post-operative care recommendations apply to all tonsillectomy patients:

• Use of pain medication (e.g., Advil or Tylenol) to manage discomfort
• Staying well-hydrated by consuming plenty of fluids
• Eating soft, easy-to-swallow foods like pudding or Jell-O
• Avoiding strenuous activities during the recovery period

Following these guidelines can help ensure a smoother recovery and reduce the risk of complications.

Potential Complications and Risks of Tonsillectomy

As with any surgical procedure, tonsillectomy carries certain risks. The most significant concern following the operation is post-operative bleeding. This risk is highest between 5-7 days after surgery when the soft scabs forming over the healing area begin to fall off.

Studies indicate that about 5-15 percent of patients experience some degree of bleeding after a tonsillectomy. The severity can range from minor bleeding that stops on its own to more serious, life-threatening bleeding requiring immediate medical intervention. While severe cases are rare, it’s crucial for patients and caregivers to be aware of this potential complication and seek prompt medical attention if excessive bleeding occurs.

Common Misconceptions About Tonsillectomy

One prevalent myth surrounding tonsillectomy is that the procedure completely eliminates the possibility of future sore throats or strep throat. Dr. Patel clarifies that while a tonsillectomy significantly reduces the frequency and severity of throat infections, it doesn’t guarantee complete immunity from all throat-related illnesses.

Patients who have undergone tonsillectomy can still experience sore throats, albeit less frequently and with reduced severity. This information is crucial for setting realistic expectations about the outcomes of the surgery.

Long-term Benefits and Considerations of Tonsil Removal

Despite the potential for some post-operative discomfort and the small risk of complications, tonsillectomy offers several long-term benefits for those who meet the criteria for the procedure. These benefits include:

• Reduced frequency of throat infections
• Improved quality of sleep, especially for those with sleep apnea caused by enlarged tonsils
• Easier swallowing and breathing
• Potential improvement in overall health due to fewer infections and better sleep

When considering a tonsillectomy, it’s essential to weigh these potential benefits against the risks and recovery process. A thorough discussion with a healthcare provider can help in making an informed decision based on individual circumstances and medical history.

The Evolving Approach to Tonsillectomy

It’s worth noting that the approach to tonsillectomy has evolved over the years. While it was once considered a routine procedure for many children, medical professionals now take a more conservative approach, recommending the surgery only when clearly indicated by recurrent infections or other significant issues.

This shift reflects a better understanding of the role tonsils play in the immune system and the potential long-term effects of their removal. Healthcare providers now carefully balance the benefits of tonsil removal against the body’s need for these immune-system components, especially in young children whose immune systems are still developing.

Making an Informed Decision About Tonsillectomy

If you or your child are experiencing frequent tonsil infections or other tonsil-related issues, the first step is to consult with a primary care physician or an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist. These healthcare professionals can provide a comprehensive evaluation of your specific situation, taking into account factors such as:

• The frequency and severity of tonsil infections
• The impact of tonsil issues on daily life and overall health
• Age and general health status
• Potential risks and benefits of surgery

Based on this evaluation, your healthcare provider can offer personalized recommendations and discuss whether a tonsillectomy is the most appropriate course of action. Remember, the decision to undergo tonsil removal surgery should be made collaboratively between the patient (or parents, in the case of children) and the healthcare team, considering all relevant factors and individual circumstances.

Preparing for a Tonsillectomy Consultation

To make the most of your consultation regarding a potential tonsillectomy, consider preparing the following information:

1. A detailed history of tonsil infections, including frequency and severity
2. Any symptoms related to enlarged tonsils, such as sleep disturbances or difficulty swallowing
3. Previous treatments attempted and their effectiveness
4. Any questions or concerns you have about the procedure or recovery process

Being well-prepared for this discussion will help ensure that you receive the most appropriate care and can make an informed decision about whether tonsillectomy is right for you or your child.

Alternative Treatments and Management Strategies

While tonsillectomy can be an effective solution for chronic tonsil issues, it’s not always the first line of treatment. Depending on the severity and frequency of symptoms, healthcare providers may recommend alternative approaches before considering surgery. Some of these alternatives include:

• Antibiotic treatment for bacterial infections
• Watchful waiting to see if symptoms improve over time
• Lifestyle modifications to support immune health
• Use of over-the-counter pain relievers and throat lozenges for symptom management

These conservative management strategies may be particularly appropriate for individuals who don’t meet the strict criteria for tonsillectomy or for those who prefer to avoid surgery if possible. Your healthcare provider can help determine the most suitable approach based on your specific circumstances.

The Role of Tonsils in Overall Health

As part of the decision-making process, it’s important to understand the role tonsils play in the body’s immune system. Tonsils act as sentinels, trapping harmful bacteria and viruses that enter through the mouth and nose. They also produce antibodies that help fight infections.

However, when tonsils become chronically infected or enlarged, they may no longer effectively perform this protective function. In such cases, the benefits of removal may outweigh the potential drawbacks of losing this part of the immune system. Your healthcare provider can offer insights into how tonsil removal might affect your overall immune function based on your age and health status.

Post-Tonsillectomy Care and Recovery

If you do decide to proceed with a tonsillectomy, proper post-operative care is crucial for a smooth recovery. Here are some key aspects of post-tonsillectomy care:

1. Pain management: Follow your doctor’s instructions for pain medication to manage discomfort.
2. Hydration: Drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration and aid healing.
3. Diet: Start with soft, cool foods and gradually reintroduce normal foods as tolerated.
4. Rest: Allow time for adequate rest and avoid strenuous activities for at least two weeks.
5. Follow-up care: Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments with your healthcare provider.

Be aware that the recovery process can vary from person to person. Some individuals may experience more pain or a longer recovery period than others. It’s important to communicate any concerns or unexpected symptoms to your healthcare provider during the recovery phase.

Long-Term Outlook After Tonsillectomy

For most patients who undergo tonsillectomy due to chronic infections or other significant issues, the long-term outlook is positive. Many experience a notable reduction in throat infections and related symptoms, leading to improved quality of life. However, it’s important to maintain realistic expectations and understand that some throat-related issues may still occur, albeit less frequently.

Regular check-ups with your healthcare provider can help monitor your overall health and address any concerns that may arise post-tonsillectomy. By staying informed and proactive about your health, you can maximize the benefits of the procedure and enjoy improved well-being in the long run.

Signs It’s Time for a Tonsillectomy

By Amit Patel, M.D.

Your tonsils play a role in your immune system, however – for some – tonsils can seem to cause more harm than good. If you’re someone who frequently gets severe, painful sore throats, you may be wondering whether you should consider having surgery to remove your tonsils. This type of surgery is known as a tonsillectomy.

While tonsillectomies are more common for children, there are times when an adult should consider getting a tonsillectomy for recurrent infections. It’s important to listen to your body and see a doctor when you’re experiencing certain symptoms.

If you’re experiencing one or more of these symptoms, you should consider seeing your primary care physician for evaluation:

• Severe throat pain
• White spots on your tonsils
• Painful or difficulty swallowing
• Fever
• Swollen, tender lymph nodes in your neck

If your physician runs a test and the results show an infection, it’s important to then remain mindful of how often you’re experiencing these infections. That rate will help us determine if you are in need of a tonsillectomy.

Here is the criteria for tonsillectomies, which you’ll see is linked to the rate of infection:

1. You’ve had seven or more episodes of documented bacterial tonsillitis in a year.
2. You’ve had five or more episodes per year of documented bacterial tonsillitis over the course of two consecutive years.
3. You’ve had three or more episodes per year of documented bacterial tonsillitis over the course of three consecutive years.

In addition to using that rate-of-frequency criteria, we will also take into consideration how much a person’s life is being affected by their tonsils. It is common to have a patient who comes in and reports that the enlarged size of their tonsils are causing issues with sleep apnea, swallowing and/or unwanted weight loss. This should always be reported to your physician.

Tonsillectomies for Adults Versus Children

Are tonsillectomies more painful for adults than children? The truth is the procedure itself is essentially the same for adults as it is for children. The recovery for adults tends to be more prolonged than it is for children. For adult patients, it can take about two weeks for patients to recover as the area needing to heal is larger. For children, they tend to get less sore following surgery and are usually back on their feet more quickly – often within one week.

For adults and children alike, following the procedure it’s usually recommended that the patient use pain medication, like Advil or Tylenol, to get the pain down to a dull ache. Recovery recommendations also include making sure you’re getting plenty of fluids after surgery, consuming foods that are easy to swallow – like pudding or Jell-O – and avoiding any strenuous activities.

The most worrisome complication of a tonsillectomy is to have bleeding after the operation. The tonsillectomy bed heals from a raw muscle bed and the soft scabs that form over this area tend to fall off after 5-7 days. During this time is when patients are at the highest risk of bleeding. The rate of bleeding after tonsillectomies varies in studies, but about 5-15 percent of patients bleed after a tonsillectomy. This can range from a small amount of bleeding which stops spontaneously, up to heavy life-threatening bleeding coming from the mouth which would need to be cauterized in the operating room. Fortunately, life-threatening bleeding after a tonsillectomy is rare.

Common Misconceptions

A common misconception is that, once a patient has a tonsillectomy, they will never get strep throat – or a sore throat at all – again. Unfortunately, it still is possible to get sore throats after a tonsillectomy. The good news is the surgery has proven to reduce the frequency and severity of sore throats and throat infections.

Next Steps & Resources

• Meet our clinical contributor: Amit Patel, M.D.
• To make an appointment with Dr. Patel or another physician, call 800-822-8905 or visit our website

Sources:

• American Academy of Family Physicians
• Faramarzi A, Heydari S. -T. (2010). Prevalence of post-tonsillectomy bleeding as day-case surgery with combination method;cold dissection tonsillectomy and bipolar diathermy hemostasis. Iranian Journal of Pediatrics.

The material provided through Health Hub is intended to be used as general information only and should not replace the advice of your physician. Always consult your physician for individual care.

Tonsillectomy FAQs: Signs your child needs their tonsils out

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Some adults may remember a tonsillectomy (the surgical removal of the tonsils) as a rite of passage in childhood. While a tonsillectomy is still one of the most common surgical procedures for children, they are performed less frequently than in the past.

Amy Coffey, M.D., Pediatric Otolaryngologist at Children’s Health℠ and Associate Professor at UT Southwestern, regularly talks to parents about if or when their child needs their tonsils removed.

Here, she answers parents’ frequently asked questions including when a tonsillectomy should be performed and what they – and their child – can expect before, during and after surgery.

When should a child have their tonsils removed?

The two most common signs a child needs their tonsils removed is when the child has recurrent strep throat infections or obstructive sleep-disordered breathing.

• Recurrent strep throat infections – If your child has had seven strep throat infections in one year; five infections a year for two years in a row; or three infections a year for three or more years, your pediatrician will likely refer you to an ENT surgeon for evaluation.
• Obstructive sleep-disordered breathing (oSDB) – Also known as obstructive sleep apnea, oSDB is more than loud snoring. It can cause a child to stop and start breathing several times during the night and lead to serious health issues, including weight gain, pulmonary hypertension, behavioral problems and trouble paying attention.

Less common reasons a child may need a tonsillectomy include:

• Peritonsillar abscess – A complication from an untreated strep infection that causes a pus-filled pocket to form near one tonsil. It is more likely to recur unless tonsils are removed.
• Dysphagia – Difficulty swallowing due to large tonsil size

Reasons your child doesn’t need tonsils taken out include bad breath and large or swollen tonsils.

“Large tonsils in a child by itself isn’t an indication that a tonsillectomy is necessary,” cautions Dr. Coffey. “Though it’s a very safe procedure, tonsil removal is still surgery. The benefits must outweigh the risks of the procedure. Size doesn’t necessarily impact your child’s health.”

At what age can a child have a tonsillectomy?

A child at any age can have a tonsillectomy if the indications are severe. However, surgeons generally wait until children are 3 years old to remove tonsils because the risk of dehydration and bleeding is greater among small children.

Is a tonsillectomy safe?

A tonsillectomy is generally considered to be a safe procedure. As with any surgical procedure, there are risks associated. The most common risks include bleeding and dehydration.

How much bleeding is normal after a tonsillectomy?

Bleeding is most common within 24 hours after the surgery and then again anywhere from 5-14 days when scabs come off after surgery. Most of the time, children and parents aren’t even aware there is bleeding. It can irritate the throat and stomach and cause children to vomit, which is when parents usually become aware there is bleeding.

“Bleeding can be scary, but it doesn’t last long,” explains Dr. Coffey. “It does need medical attention to ensure there are no complications from the surgery, though. If your child has severe bleeding – bleeding that doesn’t stop – call 911. Otherwise, call your child’s surgeon to determine if your child needs to be seen.”

How can I encourage my child to drink after a tonsillectomy?

Children may be hesitant to drink after surgery because of throat pain. It’s important for them to drink regularly so they stay hydrated, which can help the healing process.

Dr. Coffey shares several do’s and don’ts with parents to help encourage fluids after surgery:

• Do set a timer once or twice an hour the first few days after surgery so parents and kids remember to take a few sips
• Do offer popsicles
• Do offer water or 100% juice
• Do give small amounts of water by syringe like medication if refusing to drink
• Don’t offer thick drinks like milkshakes unless using a spoon
• Don’t use straws or sippy cups as suction can irritate the throat

How can I help relieve my child’s pain after a tonsillectomy?

A sore throat and pain are the most common side effects of a tonsillectomy. Regular fluids can help ease a sore throat and pain, in addition to keeping kids hydrated after surgery.

Over-the-counter pain medicine is also effective pain relief after tonsils are removed. You can alternate children’s acetaminophen (such as Tylenol) and a non-steroid anti-inflammatory (such as ibuprofen) to help control pain. Be sure to follow your surgeon or nurse’s dosing instructions, including the amount and frequency.

“I often recommend parents wake children up the first night or two after surgery to stay on top of pain relief,” offers Dr. Coffey.

How long does recovery take after a tonsillectomy?

Generally, most children are back to normal about 10 days after a tonsillectomy.

“The first two or three days are very intense. That’s when your child needs the most attention,” says Dr. Coffey. “Keep them drinking fluids and limit activities those first few days.”

Your child should avoid contact sports or heavy physical activity for two weeks after surgery because of the risk of bleeding.

Children can return to school once the throat is completely healed, which can be anywhere from 10 days to two weeks. Your surgeon can help you determine the schedule that’s right for your child and family.

Learn more

The ear, nose and throat team at Children’s Health includes fellowship-trained, board-certified physicians, advanced practice providers, nurses and support staff who have special training to diagnose and treat children with ENT issues. Learn more about our ENT program, services and support we offer children and families.

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indications, contraindications, possible complications and ways to deal with them in the MEDSI Clinic

Tonsillectomy is a surgical intervention, the essence of which is removal of the palatine tonsils . Today, the operation is carried out using various methods and tools. Technologies are being actively introduced to reduce tissue trauma, the duration of the recovery period and discomfort in patients. An intervention is carried out in chronic tonsillitis. The decision on tonsillectomy is made only by a doctor and in the presence of individual indications. As a rule, surgery is prescribed only if conservative therapy does not lead to recovery of the patient and a significant improvement in his condition.

Important! Intervention is carried out only in a hospital . Before hospitalization, the patient undergoes a comprehensive examination, to which he is directed by an ENT doctor.

Indications for intervention

Main indications for tonsillectomy:

• Tonsillitis with many relapses. Surgery is indicated if the patient suffers from 5-7 exacerbations within 1-2 years
• Sleep apnea syndrome
• Purulent complications of pathology
• Decompensated form of the disease
• Swallowing disorders
• Chronic tonsillitis, which increases the risk of a number of comorbidities (kidney disease, rheumatism, etc. )
• Daytime respiratory disorders

With purulent complications of the pathological condition, the intervention is carried out after a course of antibiotics. Medicines are taken in dosages recommended by the doctor. This reduces the risk of complications after tonsillectomy. In other cases, the operation is performed only during remission.

Important! If a few years ago one of the contraindications was the age of the patient, today the intervention is carried out for children from 2 years old, as well as for the elderly.

Contraindications

All contraindications to intervention are divided into:

• Absolute. If such contraindications are found, tonsillectomy is not performed
• Relative. If they are present, the intervention should be postponed for a certain time (usually until the patient has fully recovered)

Absolute contraindications include:

• Serious blood disorders
• Diabetes mellitus
• Pulmonary tuberculosis
• Abnormalities (aneurysms, for example) of pharyngeal vessels
• Serious diseases of the nervous system

Relative contraindications include:

• Acute infectious and inflammatory diseases
• Caries and other pathologies of the oral cavity, provoking the reproduction of dangerous microorganisms
• Acute dermatitis and other skin pathologies

Your doctor will tell you about all contraindications. He will decide on the intervention.

Important! The decision on the expediency of tonsillectomy is made by the therapist (pediatrician) together with the ENT. The anamnesis, the effectiveness of drug therapy are preliminarily assessed, the patient undergoes a complete examination, including radiography, blood and urine tests, and other studies that determine contraindications to intervention. Indications for tonsillectomy are also carefully studied.

Intervention options

Tonsillectomy can be performed using the following techniques:

• Tissue excision with special instrument . Such an intervention is carried out quite often. The advantages of the technique include the ability to completely remove the tonsils. The surgeon can quickly open lesions with purulent contents
• Electrocoagulation . With such an intervention, the tonsils are excised by exposing them to an electric current with pre-selected indicators. The advantages of electrocoagulation when removing the tonsils include minimal blood loss and a high speed of the procedure. Important! Most of the complications after this intervention are associated with heating of healthy tissues
• Ultrasound tissue excision . The intervention, which is carried out using a special scalpel, is characterized by a small blood loss and minimal damage to surrounding tissues
• Radiofrequency ablation . With this intervention, performed under local anesthesia, the tonsils are removed by exposing them to radio waves. The advantages of the technique include a quick recovery. Important! Typically, the technique is used to reduce the volume, and not remove the tonsils. This is due to the fact that it is simply impossible to eliminate large formations with radio frequencies
• Thermal welding method . This intervention is carried out using an infrared laser. The advantages of the method include the absence of pain, the possibility of performing under local anesthesia, minimal blood loss and a reduction in the risk of serious tissue edema
• Carbon laser tissue excision . Vaporization is a method characterized by simplicity, rapid intervention and a short rehabilitation period
• Coblation . This technique is based on the use of radio frequency energy. The dissection of tissues is performed by separating the molecular bonds between them. All intervention risks are reduced due to the absence of thermal effects. The advantages of the technique include a minimum of complications and quick rehabilitation due to minimal tissue trauma

Recovery after intervention

As early as 2-3 days after the intervention, the niches of the tonsils are covered with plaque. The patient may complain of increased discomfort when swallowing. The temperature may rise (not significant). Raids disappear for 4-5 days. Complete cleansing of the intervention area is noted by the end of the second week of the rehabilitation period. Finally, the wounds heal after about 2.5 weeks.

After the intervention, which is performed using a surgical instrument (scalpel), nothing should be swallowed during the day. The next day, you are allowed to drink and eat soft food. The patient should adhere to a sparing diet for 10-20 days.

Throughout the rehabilitation period, it is prohibited :

• Exercise, bend over and lift weights. Any exercise can lead to bleeding
• Consume alcoholic beverages which can also cause bleeding
• Take a hot bath
• Eat hot meals, salty, spicy foods, carbonated drinks. You should also refuse chips, cookies, gingerbread, nuts, crackers, which can damage the wound surface
• Visit the sauna and bath

After tonsillectomy, the patient is prescribed a special diet.

It includes the use of:

• Baby puree
• Pureed porridge
• Soft dairy products

3-5 days after the intervention, you can start eating soft meatballs and meatballs, cereals, pasta.

During rehabilitation, it is forbidden to drink juices with citrus fruits. This is due to the fact that fruit acids have a pronounced irritant effect.

After tonsillectomy using modern techniques (laser and others), rehabilitation is faster and easier for the patient. Wounds heal in just a few days. The patient does not have to follow a strict diet or experience other restrictions. However, it is important to follow all doctor’s recommendations. Only he can give an objective assessment of the patient’s condition and eliminate the risks of complications. The specialist will prescribe the time of appointments, issue prescriptions for the use of medications.

Complications

Professionally performed intervention practically does not cause complications in the recovery period.

However, there may be:

• Minor bleeding
• Pain
• Discomfort when swallowing
• Cicatricial changes in the sky

Usually, all discomfort disappears as the wound heals.

If the patient continues to complain of discomfort, examination and diagnosis are mandatory. Each complication is considered by experts individually. An integrated approach is very important, which allows you to determine why problems arose, how to eliminate them, whether in this case hospitalization of the patient is required.

Particular attention is paid to complications in children. This is due to the fact that often they cannot independently determine their condition and the severity of symptoms. Parents without medical education are also unable to decide on the need for therapy for certain complications.

Emergency care is usually required for patients only with severe bleeding. In some cases, blood transfusion is performed, drugs are administered that stop bleeding, reduce the risk of wound infection, etc.

The course of the rehabilitation period can be complicated by infections and inflammatory processes. Prophylactic (before intervention) use of antibiotics helps to reduce the risk of their occurrence. Complications provoked by infections and inflammations usually occur with improper preparation for tonsillectomy in patients whose body is weakened by concomitant pathologies, in violation of the regimen, non-compliance with the recommendations given by the doctor as part of the rehabilitation, when the patient is infected at the recovery stage with influenza or SARS.

Advantages of intervention in MEDSI

• Use of a wide range of techniques for tonsillectomy . Selection in favor of a specific one is carried out by the therapist and the otorhinolaryngologist together with the patient. Preliminary assessment of the results of conservative therapy and medical history
• Use for intervention modern equipment, consumables and painkillers . This reduces the risk of pain and severe discomfort in the patient, reduces the duration of the recovery period and the likelihood of complications
• Intervention only by experienced specialists highly qualified
• Comfortable environment in the clinic, providing a favorable emotional background for the patient. You do not have to be afraid of the operation, worry about how it will go. Specialists will answer all questions in advance
• Opportunities for preliminary consultation, examination and direct tonsillectomy at a convenient time

To make an appointment with a doctor at MEDSI, just call +7 (495) 7-800-500.

Do not delay treatment, see a doctor now:

• Otorhinolaryngologist appointment
• ENT surgery
• ENT endoscopy

Laser tonsil removal | ENT Clinic “Sun”

Tonsils, organs of lymphoid tissue located in the nasopharyngeal zone and suppressing harmful microorganisms. Prolonged colds provoke the accumulation of pathogenic microorganisms, the tonsils lose their functions, which initiates the need to remove the tonsils.

Features of laser removal of the tonsils

Tonsillectomy is the least traumatic method of removing tonsils with a laser. During the operation, the affected tissues are excised and the damaged vessels are sealed. The laser method allows you to remove the tonsils without the occurrence of blood loss. The absence of wounds after surgery reduces the risk of infection.

Laser tonsil removal techniques

The basis of laser therapy is the use of oscillating single-phase waves with varying degrees of tissue penetration. Laser removal of the tonsils is divided into two types:

• Complete removal of the tonsils or radical tonsillectomy. This type of operation is indicated only when the tonsils are completely destroyed by infection.
• Laser ablation – selective removal of the upper layers of tonsil tissues.

Several types of laser are used to remove tonsils. Suitable for tonsillectomy:

• Infrared laser – used for separation and adhesion of tonsil tissues;
• Fiber optic laser – performs excision along with near tonsil tissues. It is used when inflammation has covered almost the entire tonsil.

The carbon laser (CO2 laser) is used for ablation and allows a vaporization method that shrinks the tonsils and relieves swelling.

Indications for laser removal of the tonsils

The reason for the removal of affected tonsils is the presence of a serious threat to other organs. As a rule, the removal of the tonsils is indicated for patients who suffer from tonsillitis more than four times a year, for patients in whom non-surgical treatment has not given proper results, for patients with complications in the form of diseases of the heart, joints, and nervous system. The removal of the tonsils is necessary for patients who have undergone an acute rheumatic attack, as well as for people in whom excessive enlargement of the tonsils due to the spread of lymphoid tissue causes breathing or swallowing problems.

Contraindications to laser intervention

Laser tonsil removal is contraindicated in patients with oncological diseases, diseases of the hematopoietic organs, blood clotting disorders, disorders of the psyche and nervous system, serious diseases of the heart, liver and kidneys.

Manipulations to remove hypertrophied tonsils should be postponed during the period of exacerbation of acute infectious, viral and rheumatoid diseases, the active stage of tuberculosis, diabetes mellitus, hypertension and during female menstruation. In addition, the removal of the tonsils is not performed on pregnant and lactating women and children under 10 years of age.

Advantages of the laser method

The laser method is one of the most modern methods of treating tonsils.

• The coagulation of the tonsils during laser exposure accelerates healing, thereby reducing the possibility of bleeding.
• The duration of laser surgery is up to 30-40 minutes.
• Laser treatment does not leave open wound surfaces.
• Laser tonsillectomy surgery is performed on an outpatient basis and does not require a long recovery period. The patient is able to work after the operation.
• Surgery performed under local anesthesia
• To minimize trauma and facilitate the recovery period, laser tonsillectomy is usually performed in several stages.

Laser exposure is sterile in nature, it reduces the risks of negative consequences of the operation and minimizes interference with the body, using the method of partial excision.

Operation

Three hours before the start of the operation, the patient is not recommended to drink and eat. The patient is located in a surgical chair, he is given an anesthetic treatment of the pharynx. After the anesthesia takes effect, the doctor sends a special device to the tonsils that acts with a laser beam. In order to avoid burns and damage to healthy tissues, radiation treatment is carried out in 4-5 approaches, each session of laser exposure is approximately 10-15 seconds. To prevent bleeding, laser coagulation (soldering) of the vessels is performed. The removal of the tonsils is performed at the moment when the patient, having taken a deep breath, stops breathing. To completely remove purulent deposits, artificial expansion of large depressions is performed, then they are smoothed out, the scars are excised with a laser. Such manipulations allow you to create a discharge of the contents of the tonsil lacunae. During a tonsillectomy, purulent deposits of the tonsils are completely eliminated. In some cases, within one to two hours after the operation, to eliminate the risk of complications, the patient is monitored, then he is allowed to go home. Since laser removal of the tonsils is the most gentle treatment, the doctor can perform this manipulation in several stages.

Recovery period

The quality of the operation performed depends on the professionalism of the doctor. The laser is a sterile instrument that resists septic tissue inflammation. Regeneration of the pharyngeal mucosa is restored within two to three weeks, in the absence of burns and extensive wounds. Usually, on the 7th day after the laser removal of the tonsils, a postoperative examination by the attending physician is prescribed. To speed up healing, the patient is prescribed a rinse with a special composition. After the removal of the tonsils, treatment with antibacterial drugs is usually not required. During the first 24 hours after laser exposure, the patient is allowed to drink water only at a cool temperature.