The following post is a contribution from a PriceDoc Provider defining tonsillectomy surgery in simplified terms. We hope this post provides enough information to answer your questions, but if you do have any, ask them in the comments below!
- Definition of Tonsillectomy Surgery in simple terms:
- Tonsillectomy surgery is the surgical removal of the lymphoid glands in the throat.
- Are there new techniques for Tonsillectomies available today?
- Because the tonsillectomy procedure recovery is known to be painful, new techniques have been tried. Laser removal of tonsils has not been shown to be less painful and, at times, had increased post-operative bleeding. Electro-surgical removal of tonsils is often practiced, but it has also not been shown to be more beneficial in terms of pain or bleeding, compared to the classical procedure. A new coblation technique appears to be promising in decreasing the post-operative pain.
- What are the potential risks and/or side-effects of a Tonsillectomy (if any)?
- Pain and bleeding are the most common features of tonsillectomy recovery. The first few days, it is difficult to swallow and dehydration is not uncommon. Bleeding can occur up to ten days after surgery, and strenuous activity should be avoided.
- Do I need any tests and/or exams before getting a Tonsillectomy (if any)?
- Like any out-patient procedure, pre-operative examination by a primary physician is often required. Blood tests for anemia and bleeding issues are also recommended. Your examining doctor may recommend additional tests specifically related to your medical history.
- How long does the take to complete a Tonsillectomy?
- On average, it takes one hour for surgery and two hours in the hospital after tonsillectomy surgery.
- What is the recovery timeline for Tonsillectomy Surgery (if any)?
- During the first week the patient will often have trouble eating and swallowing. Often the third day after surgery patients can complain of earaches. Within a week, improvement is dramatic and a full recovery is expected within two weeks.
- What do we know about outcomes for a Tonsillectomy?
- In properly selected cases, the results of tonsillectomy surgery are quite beneficial. Sleep apnea is greatly improved and many children experience a growth spurt afterwards.
Many thanks to Julian Henley, M.D. who took the time to answer these questions for you! Hopefully this information gets you started on your understanding of this procedure. If you have any other questions, leave them in the comments below and we’ll see if he will be available to answer them! (Or, read more on tonsillectomy surgery here.) -The PriceDoc Team
Dr. Henley is a successful ear, nose and throat specialist, as well as a facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon with over two decades of experience in private practice in Connecticut and New York. He is Board Certified with the American Board of Otolaryngology and the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery and is a member of the clinical teaching staff at Yale University. He has served his two medical fields of specialty, both in conducting complex cancer surgeries, and in developing groundbreaking new procedures in the field of facial plastics.
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