A tonsillectomy is a common procedure that is carried out on an individual who is experiencing continuous issues with their tonsils. This can include throat infections, trouble sleeping, or sleep apnea. A tonsillectomy surgically removes the tonsils from the mouth.
Why might you need a tonsillectomy?
A tonsillectomy is often prescribed when issues with your tonsils cause significant disruption in day-to-day life. Getting your tonsils removed can bring an end to recurring discomfort and/or pain, and is a procedure that takes place under general anesthetic.
The tonsils are lymph nodes located at the back of your throat. Mainly made out of white blood cells, tonsils aid the immune system’s defences and help fight infection.
A tonsillectomy may be recommended by an ENT specialist for various reasons, but the most common is if you suffer from repeated, or chronic, infections in the throat. If your tonsils become repeatedly inflamed, red or swollen, this may mean you need a tonsillectomy. Other reasons include:
- Recurrent tonsillitis
- Sleep apnea or snoring
- Difficulty swallowing
- Peritonsillar abscess (Quinsy)
- Tonsil stones
If you think you may need a tonsillectomy, it’s recommended to consult with an ENT specialist. It’s important to get a formal diagnosis of the symptoms you’re experiencing, so the best course of action can be taken.
What to expect from a tonsillectomy
When a patient gets a tonsillectomy, they are placed under general anesthetic. This means you will spend the duration of the operation in a medically induced sleep. A tonsillectomy usually lasts around 30 to 45 minutes.
Tonsillectomy procedure options
Cold knife dissection – This procedure is one of the most common, and involves removing the tonsils with a steel scalpel.
Electrocautery – This procedure involves the use of heat, to remove the tonsils and seal the blood vessels to manage bleeding.
Coblation – This newer surgical method uses radiofrequency energy to dissolve the tonsil tissue. It uses a lower temperature for a precise removal, which can often lead to a faster, less painful recovery.
Laser tonsillectomy – This procedure uses a laser to remove the tonsils, which can be a faster procedure that’s less invasive than a scalpel.
Tonsillectomy in adults vs children
Tonsillectomies tend to be more common in children, and will be recommended if a child suffers from frequent complications, flare ups or throat infections during childhood. Children tend to heal faster after the procedure, which is generally considered to be less painful and low risk. Adults experience more discomfort and the potential for complications such as bleeding post-surgery.
Alternatives to a tonsillectomy
Depending on the severity of your symptoms, there may be other options to explore as an alternative to a tonsillectomy. Antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medication can help, although may not be appropriate for treatment in the long term. For sleep apnea in particular, weight loss or Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy can be effective. Whatever your symptoms may be, it is worth discussing your options with a specialist to help ascertain the most suitable route to take.
Book a consultation with an ENT specialist
Recovering from a tonsillectomy
After the procedure, you will be instructed by a medical professional as to what to expect, and how best to aid recovery.
Although no pain is felt during the procedure, getting your tonsils removed can be a painful procedure to recover from. Some symptoms to expect during a recovery include:
- A sore throat
- Ear pain
- Difficulty eating and drinking
- Mild bleeding
- Bad breath/hoarse voice
- A white coating on the throat
- Fatigue
It is recommended that you rest after the procedure and take time off work or school to fully recover. Exerting yourself too quickly can damage the tissue repair process as your throat recovers. Tips for recovery include:
- Staying hydrated
- Eating soft foods
- Taking pain relief
- Avoiding crunchy, spicy or acidic foods
- Avoiding strenuous activities or exercise
On average, the recovery time for a tonsillectomy is roughly two weeks, but the exact time needed for recovery depends on various factors. It’s best to discuss tonsillectomy recovery with an ENT specialist to understand what to expect.
