Tonsillectomy – Tonsil Surgery

Tonsil surgery is called a tonsillectomy, which is a surgical procedure to remove the tonsils (also known as tonsils or glands), which are lymph nodes located on either side of the back of the throat.

The surgery is most often performed due to recurrent tonsillitis that causes symptoms such as painful swallowing, breathing difficulties, fever, and other problems. Removing the tonsils can help reduce the frequency of these symptoms and improve the person’s quality of life.

It is a relatively simple procedure performed under general anesthesia. After the surgery, a few days of recovery may be required, during which irritating foods, such as those that are too hot, cold, or spicy, should be avoided. It’s also important to follow the doctor’s recommendations on the use of medications to relieve pain and other post-operative symptoms.

What are tonsils?

Tonsils, or tonsillae, are clusters of lymphatic tissue located on either side of the throat. They are part of the immune system and help defend against infections. They form the Waldeyer’s ring, which consists of the pharyngeal tonsil in the nasal pharynx (also known as the third tonsil, adenoids, vegetations), the palatine tonsils in the oral pharynx (tonsils), and the lingual and tubal tonsils.

As part of the immune system situated at the entrance to the respiratory and digestive tracts, they represent the first line of contact and defense against various harmful external influences, including microorganisms that can cause infection either through inhaled air or ingestion.

Tonsils develop before birth and gradually enlarge after birth, usually until the age of 6-7 years. After that, their importance in defending the body gradually decreases, leading to a reduction in their size around puberty.

Who needs tonsil surgery?

There are several reasons why someone might need a tonsillectomy. Some of these reasons include:

1. Chronic or recurrent tonsillitis: If a person has chronic or recurrent tonsillitis that causes sore throats, difficulty swallowing, fever, and cannot be successfully treated with antibiotics, a doctor may recommend surgery. Enlarged tonsils may be ulcerated, with pus plugs, and the anterior palatine arches red. Beta-hemolytic streptococcus is responsible for most tonsil infections. Many respiratory viruses, including the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), which causes mononucleosis, can also cause inflammation. Tonsil surgery is recommended when a person suffers from purulent angina five or more times within two years. Additional criteria include fever, enlarged lymph nodes, and a quality antibiotic therapy that has not been effective. Unfortunately, only 8% of patients with angina take antibiotics for at least nine days. Indications are stricter for younger children. The presence of complications of angina, such as peritonsillar abscess, phlegmon, or tuberculosis, further supports the need for surgery.
2. Sleep apnea: If a person has obstructive sleep apnea, it means that during sleep, the tonsils and soft tissue in the throat block the airway, making normal breathing difficult. In such cases, a doctor may recommend surgery to remove the tonsils and reduce the risk of sleep apnea.
3. Complications: If a person has complications related to the tonsils, such as purulent angina, tonsil abscess, or peritonsillar abscess, a doctor may recommend surgery.
4. Tonsil cancer: Rarely, but it is possible for a person to have tonsil cancer. In such cases, a doctor will recommend surgery to remove the tumor.

In any case, the decision to undergo tonsil surgery depends on individual circumstances and should be made after a thorough assessment and discussion with a doctor.

Preparation for tonsil surgery

Before deciding on surgery, it is necessary to schedule an ENT examination where a decision on the need for the procedure will be made based on the consultation and examination. Since the procedure is under general anesthesia, standard preoperative tests and an anesthesiologist’s opinion are required.

Procedure overview

Tonsil surgery or tonsillectomy is performed under general anesthesia, where the enlarged tonsils are peeled from their bed within the palatine arches. The peeling is done using cold instruments, laser, R – frequency, ultrasound, or microdebrider. Since a wound remains in the palatine arches after tonsil removal that cannot be sutured, healing takes about 2-3 weeks. Postoperative recovery is painful, despite painkillers, but children fortunately tolerate it much better than adults.

Recovery after surgery

In the first days after surgery, it is necessary to drink plenty of fluids, and the diet should consist of soft, easy-to-swallow foods such as soups, mashed potatoes, ice cream, bananas, eggs, and apple juice. Rest is needed for at least a week, and a return to daily activities follows after 2 weeks. Due to the healing of the surgical wound and tissue cleaning, an unpleasant mouth odor occurs, which can be alleviated by gargling and rinsing the mouth with an antiseptic solution.

Precautions

Tonsil surgery carries a rare but serious and potentially life-threatening risk of postoperative bleeding. It occurs in 8-14% of cases, and in 1-4% requires stopping the bleeding in the operating room.

It most often occurs within 12-24 hours after surgery (early bleeding) or between the 5th and 8th day (late bleeding), but is possible within 3 weeks. For this reason, it is essential for both the doctor and the patient or parents to understand how to coordinate actions if this occurs.

Why tonsil surgery at Sinteza?

The reasons for tonsil surgery at Sinteza are manifold. First and foremost, the experience and knowledge of Professor Gjurić and his team in setting the correct indication for surgery. Doctors’ opinions have changed over the years, from periods when tonsil surgery was performed too often to periods of unnecessary restraint from surgery.

The correct indication for surgery takes into account all possible elements and benefits for the child. The time period from setting the indication to the date of the surgery is very short, and we do our best to meet the family’s needs. Additionally, the individual approach to the child and family, and the possibility for the parent to stay with their child the entire time, minimizes the discomfort for both the child and the parent caused by staying in a medical facility.

We pay special attention to minimizing the inevitable pain for the child. During the operation, we use modern technology, from lasers, R – frequency, and endoscopy, to the most modern anesthesia, enabling a quick and uncomplicated recovery. The dedication of the entire team of nurses and doctors guarantees patient satisfaction.

If your child needs third tonsil surgery – adenotomy, find out more information by clicking on the
link.

Tonsil surgery cost

You can check the current price list of the Sinteza Polyclinic for more information on the cost of the procedure, contact us by phone at +385 1 5005 970 or via email at info@sinteza.hr for more information. For direct appointment reservations, click on the link.

Service location

Brochure

• Brošura – Operacija krajnika

Client documents

• Što sve trebate znati prije operacije
• Kako se pripremiti za zahvat u općoj anesteziji

 

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