Knowing more about the tonsillectomy procedure should help you determine if this procedure is right for you.
If you’ve been diagnosed with such health conditions as tonsillitis or enlarged tonsils, you may need to obtain a tonsillectomy in order to treat the problem and return your health back to normal.
For many conditions that affect the tonsils, this treatment is only considered when all other options have proven to be ineffective.
What Is a Tonsillectomy?
This is a surgical procedure that’s used for the removal of the tonsils, which are masses of soft tissues that are located towards the back of the throat. While this procedure is commonly administered for the treatment of tonsillitis, it can also be used for the treatment of many additional health issues. While the tonsils contain white blood cells that are designed first and foremost to help you fight off infections, it’s actually possible for the tonsils to become infected, which could require removal.
A tonsillectomy can be used to treat such conditions as recurring or severe tonsillitis, bleeding in the tonsils, enlarged tonsils, and other diseases that can affect the tonsils like cancer. If you’re suffering from tonsillitis, the symptoms that might indicate that a tonsillectomy is necessary include swollen tonsils, a sore throat, difficulties with swallowing, a fever, and possible swollen glands in the neck. If you notice these symptoms, you should think about scheduling a tonsillectomy at Nasal & Sinus Surgery Center to have your tonsils removed.
Potential Risks Associated With This Procedure
While a tonsillectomy is a relatively minor surgery, there are numerous risks that you will want to know before this surgery occurs. For instance, it’s possible to have a reaction to the anesthesia that you’re provided with. Some of the reactions that could occur with anesthesia include nausea, headaches, and vomiting. The tongue could also become swollen in the first few hours following the treatment, which could cause you to experience some breathing difficulties. Notify your surgeon immediately if this occurs. Other potential risks include an infection that requires additional treatment, bleeding during the surgery, and bleeding throughout the recovery process.
What You Can Expect From the Surgery
In most cases, a tonsillectomy is considered to be an outpatient procedure, which means that you’ll likely be able to return home on the same day that you receive this treatment. Before the treatment begins, you’ll be provided with a dose of general anesthesia that will put you to sleep while the treatment is ongoing. As such, you won’t feel any pain during the procedure. The tonsils can be cut with a variety of different tools, which include a standard scalpel and a surgical tool that uses either sound waves or heat to remove the tissues.
Recovery Process
Once the procedure has been administered, you will experience some pain. This pain will likely be centered around the ears and throat. You can reduce the pain associated with a tonsillectomy by drinking plenty of fluids, resting regularly, taking pain medications when necessary, and eating soft foods.