Tonsillectomy for Adults

Indications for Adult Tonsillectomy

Tonsillectomy in adults is generally recommended for the following conditions:

• Recurrent Tonsillitis: Frequent infections of the tonsils, usually defined as seven or more episodes in one year or five episodes per year over two years.
• Chronic Tonsillitis: Persistent inflammation of the tonsils, causing continuous sore throat, bad breath, and swollen lymph nodes.
• Tonsil Hypertrophy: Enlarged tonsils that cause breathing difficulties, snoring, or sleep apnea.
• Peritonsillar Abscess: A complication of tonsillitis where an abscess forms near the tonsils, often requiring surgical intervention.
• Suspicion of Malignancy: If there is any concern that the tonsils might be cancerous, removal and biopsy are necessary for diagnosis.

Consultation and Diagnosis

At ASET Hospital, the process begins with a thorough consultation with an ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat) specialist. During this consultation, the ENT surgeon will review the patient’s medical history, conduct a physical examination, and perform diagnostic tests such as throat cultures or imaging studies to determine the necessity and benefits of a tonsillectomy.

The Tonsillectomy Procedure

Tonsillectomy at ASET Hospital is typically performed under general anaesthesia and involves the following steps:

• Incision and Removal:
• The surgeon accesses the tonsils through the mouth, making incisions as needed and carefully removing the tonsil tissues. Various techniques can be used, such as cold knife dissection or electrocautery.
• Hemostasis:
• Bleeding is controlled using cauterization or sutures to ensure a clear surgical field and prevent excessive blood loss.
• Recovery Room:
• After the procedure, the patient is moved to a recovery room for monitoring as they wake up from anaesthesia.

The entire procedure typically takes about 30 to 60 minutes.

Post-Procedure Care and Recovery

Recovery from a tonsillectomy involves several stages:

• Initial Recovery:
• Most patients are discharged on the same day or after an overnight stay, depending on their condition.
• Pain Management:
• Pain and discomfort in the throat are common and can last for up to two weeks. Pain relief is managed with prescribed medications.
• Dietary Guidelines:
• Patients are advised to consume soft, cold foods initially, such as ice cream, yoghurt, and smoothies, gradually returning to a normal diet as healing progresses.
• Activity Restrictions:
• It is recommended to avoid strenuous activities and heavy lifting for at least two weeks to allow the throat to heal properly.
• Hydration:
• Staying well-hydrated is crucial to promote healing and reduce discomfort.

Regular follow-up appointments are scheduled to monitor the patient’s recovery and address any complications that may arise.

Risks

• Bleeding
• Pain and discomfort
• Infection
• Swelling
• Breathing Issues
• Anaesthesia Risks

At ASET, we want our patients to have the best possible experience when undergoing any procedure. Check our patient journeys to see the experiences of our happy patients.