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What is Tonsillectomy?
Tonsillectomy is a surgical procedure to remove the tonsils. It is often performed along with adenoidectomy, which is a surgical procedure to remove the adenoid glands. Tonsillectomy helps in removing recurrent throat infections. It lessens severe throat infections for a minimum of two years.
How is Tonsillectomy performed?
How to prepare for Tonsillectomy?
- A small tool is inserted into the mouth to keep it open.
- The tongue is depressed to view the throat.
- The tonsils are then removed with a surgical instrument.
- The cuts do not require stitches.
- Any bleeding disorder should be controlled before the surgery.
- If the patient has acute tonsillitis, it should be treated before tonsillectomy. Tonsillectomy may be postponed for three to four weeks in case of treatment.
- The patient will go though a complete physical examination.
- The patient will need to do some blood tests.
- The doctor should be informed about any medication that the patient is taking, including herbs and vitamins.
- The patient will be asked to take certain medication about 10 days before surgery.
- If the patient needs to take medication, it can be taken with a small amount of water
Days admitted : Tonsillectomy is usually done as an outpatient procedure. On rare occasions children may be kept overnight in the hospital for observation.
Anesthesia : General Anesthesia.
Sometimes adults may be given local anesthesia.
Recovery : - The patient is taken to the recovery room and kept there until the effects of anesthesia wears off.
- The patient’s vital signs are monitored.
- The patient is made to lie down on the side to avoid any chance of aspiration of blood into the lungs.
- A complete recovery will take approximately one to two weeks.
- The patient will be affected with a sore throat for several days.
- White scab will form in the throat for five to 10 days after the surgery.
Risks : - Bleeding
- Injury to the uvula
- Nasal sounding voice
- Risks of anesthesia such as adverse reaction to medication and breathing difficulty
After care : - The patient should stay away from sick people to avoid chances of infection.
- Antibiotics and pain medication should be taken to relieve sore throat.
- The patient should take liquid food or food that is soft for 24 hours after the surgery.
- The patient should avoid strenuous physical activities for about 10 days.
- The doctor should be informed if the patient has bleeding, earache or fever for more than three days.
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