When should you remove your tonsils through Tonsillectomy?

Tonsillectomy is a surgical procedure in which the tonsils are removed, which became a routine treatment performed for a variety of causes. If you are currently considering having a tonsillectomy, you should know when it is suggested and what the process requires. This article will dig deep into tonsillectomy and our recommendations about it.

What are tonsils?

The tonsils are part of the lymphatic system, which is in charge of battling infections in the body. Tonsils are lymphoid tissue that is situated at the back of the throat on both sides. They serve as a defense mechanism against bacteria and viruses that enter the body through the mouth and nose by producing antibodies that aid in the fight against infections and play a role in immune system development, particularly in youngsters.

What can be wrong with tonsils, and how to treat them?

As previously said, tonsils are organs that aid in the fight against infections, rendering them prone to certain illnesses that can impact the tonsils, causing discomfort, repeated infections, and other health difficulties. The following are some of the most prevalent tonsil problems:

• Tonsillitis: The most common issues are the inflammation of the tonsils or tonsillitis, which are often caused by a bacterial or viral infection. Tonsillitis symptoms include a sore throat, trouble swallowing, fever, and enlarged lymph nodes.

Some people have frequent episodes of tonsillitis, which is defined as having tonsillitis at least seven times a year, five times a year over the previous two years, or three times a year for the previous three years. Frequent tonsillitis might have a negative impact on their quality of life in terms of lost school or work days, as well as a general decline in well-being.  

• Sleep-disordered breathing: Tonsils that are enlarged can restrict the airway during sleep, resulting in poor sleep quality and conditions such as obstructive sleep apnea. Symptoms are including loud snoring, disturbed sleep, excessive daytime tiredness, and difficulties concentrating.
• Abscess formation: A tonsil infection can occasionally result in the creation of a pus pocket known as a peritonsillar abscess which results in significant pain, swallowing difficulties, and fever.
• Other uncommon consequences include the development of malignant tumors on the tonsils, recurrent bleeding from blood vessels near the surface of the tonsils, and debris in the tonsil crevices, which causes halitosis or severe bad breath.

The severity and frequency of symptoms determine treatment options for tonsil-related disorders. Tonsillitis is often treatable with conservative methods such as rest, water, and over-the-counter drugs. A tonsillectomy might be recommended if the symptoms are recurring or severe.

Do you really need a tonsillectomy?

According to multiple medical research, having a tonsillectomy does not lower immunity, making a tonsillectomy more advantageous in some patients. As a result, the ear, nose, and throat specialist or otolaryngologist will determine whether or not the patient requires tonsillectomy. Tonsillectomy will be an appropriate option for 

• Recurrent tonsillitis: If an individual experiences frequent episodes of tonsillitis, a tonsillectomy may be considered to prevent further infections.
• Enlarged tonsils causing sleep-disordered breathing: If enlarged tonsils contribute to significant breathing difficulties during sleep, causing disrupted sleep patterns or obstructive sleep apnea, a tonsillectomy may be recommended to improve breathing and overall quality of life.

• Peritonsillar abscess: When an abscess forms around the tonsils, it often requires drainage and may be followed by a tonsillectomy to prevent future reformation of abscesses.
• Tonsil-related complications: In certain cases, tonsil-related complications, such as difficulty breathing, swallowing difficulties, or persistent foul breath, may require a tonsillectomy.

The entire removal of the tonsils is the most common type of tonsillectomy. Meanwhile, partial tonsillectomy is used in some cases of tonsillectomy for sleep-disordered breathing. 

Tonsillectomy: Preparation, Process, and Aftermath

A complete checkup and medical history review are required prior to undertaking a tonsillectomy to ensure the patient is in good health for the surgery. In addition, the doctors may advise making changes to or temporarily discontinuing certain drugs that may raise the risk of bleeding during and after the treatment.

Patients are usually told not to eat or drink anything for a certain amount of time before their surgery. The tonsillectomy treatment is carried out under general anesthesia. The tonsils will be removed (or trimmed) through the mouth, with no external incisions. The entire tonsillectomy procedure takes about 20 to 30 minutes, and the patient can go home the same day if there are no complications following the surgery.

After a tonsillectomy, the throat usually takes one to two weeks to heal completely. You may have experienced throat soreness, poor breath, hoarseness, fever, and fatigue throughout this period. Rest, remaining hydrated, and eating soft, chilled foods that are easy to swallow are all crucial for postoperative recovery. Avoiding excessive physical activities and adhering to any activity restrictions imposed by your physician is also beneficial for a quick recovery.

Tonsillectomy at Phyathai 1 International

Our Ear, Nose, and Throat Center at Phyathai 1 International is highly experienced in dealing with abnormalities in the tonsil from basic inflammation to chronic abnormalities of tonsils. Also, we are available with Tonsillectomy operations through the General Surgery Clinic of Phyathai 1 International, done by our experienced surgeons and advanced technologies to help reduce side effects and recovery time.

If you currently experience abnormalities with your tonsils, we recommend consulting with our specialist at the Ear, Nose, and Throat Center of Phyathai 1 International, which opens from Monday to Saturday from 8.30 am to 7 pm. To ensure the fastest procedure time, We recommend taking a reservation by phone at number (+66)2-201-4600 ext.2365-67 or by E-mail at [email protected].