Two oval-shaped pads of tissue located at the back of the throat are the tonsils that often create problems in children. The white blood corpuscles in the tonsils help to fight infections but often become infected. If your child has throat pain and difficulty swallowing, it could be due to inflamed tonsils.
The pediatrician will first treat the condition with medicines; in most cases, the problem subsides with age. However, there are instances when tonsils become too problematic and turn chronic with recurrent bouts of strep throat. If your pediatrician recommends tonsil removal by surgery, then you should contact the ENT doctor at https://drkhliment.com.sg/tonsil-stone-removal-singapore-tonsillitis-treatment-surgery for conducting a surgical procedure known as tonsillectomy. Usually, the doctor recommends tonsillectomy only if the incidents recur at least seven times a year.
- The problems of enlarged tonsils
Frequent infections that become recurrent can enlarge the tonsils and happen on their own. Enlarged tonsils can cause breathing difficulty and even trigger sleep apnea, a condition when you face breathing disruptions in sleep, including intermittent stoppage of breath.
- Preparing for the surgery
Although Tonsillectomies are more common in children, adults too might have to undergo the procedure in some rare instances. The doctor will advise you to stop taking anti-inflammatory medicines a fortnight before the surgery to avoid the risk of bleeding during surgery. Before the day of the surgery, you will have to fast from midnight and shouldn’t drink anything. An empty stomach helps to prevent the nauseating feeling induced by the anesthetic. Have a plan for recovering at home post-surgery.
- The procedure
Among different methods of removing tonsils, the procedure known as ‘cold knife dissection’ is the most common. In this method, the surgeon removes the tonsils with the help of a scalpel.
Cauterization is another process of tonsil removal by burning the tissues of the gland. Another method involves using sound waves or ultrasonic vibration, and it takes about 30 minutes to complete the procedure.
Regardless of the surgery method, the doctor conducts the procedure under general anesthesia so that you will not feel any pain or be aware of the process. When you regain consciousness, you will be put in a recovery room where the medical staff will monitor your health closely. It includes recording the blood pressure and pulse rate. Usually, tonsillectomy is a day-care procedure as most people can return home the same day.
- The risks
Tonsillectomy is a routine and standard procedure. However, like any other surgical procedure, it has inherent risks, like swelling, bleeding, infection, and reaction to anesthetics. Luckily, the chances are manageable and seldom pose any serious threats.
- Recovery
While recovering from a tonsillectomy, you might experience ear, jaw, and neck pain and even a sore throat. Get plenty of rest during the first three days after surgery to ensure a speedy recovery.
Stay hydrated by eating ice pops or sipping water without hurting your throat. Applesauce and warm, clear broth are the ideal food during recovery, in addition to oatmeal, ice cream, and pudding. Avoid eating spicy, complex, and crunchy for several days after tonsillectomy.