You may be referred to a tonsillectomy clinic if there is a need to remove the two oval-shaped objects in the back of your throat known as your tonsils. While tonsils are an important part of your immune system, they sometimes contribute to potentially serious or painful problems that might include sleep apnea, complications due to enlarged tonsils, or chronic infections. Here’s what you can except when you visit a tonsillectomy clinic because of issues like this.
A Positive Diagnosis
Because tonsillitis can produce symptoms similar to what may be experienced with other possible reasons to have a sore throat, the first step typically taken at a tonsillectomy clinic is to perform a thorough examination to determine if tonsil removal is the best option. The process of making this determination may also involve:
- A visual examination of your throat with a handheld tool or a lighted scope
- A discussion of any sleep-related issues you may be experiencing
- A review of your medical history, especially anything involving repeated throat/tonsil infections
Preparations for Tonsil Removal
If a tonsillectomy is determined to be necessary, specialists at a tonsillectomy clinic will help you prepare for the procedure. You’ll likely be asked about any medications being taken, especially ones that may increase bleeding risks during surgery. It’s also important to report any known reactions to anesthetics or antibiotics prior to tonsil removal.
Appropriate Surgical Techniques
Even when performed at a clinic, a tonsillectomy is usually an outpatient procedure. General anesthesia is used, which means there will be no pain felt during surgery. There are different techniques that may be used to remove tonsil tissue. The traditional method is to use a scalpel to surgically cut away the tissue. Sutures are then used to stop the bleeding. Other techniques used may involve:
- Extreme heat (electrocautery) to stop the bleeding
- Tissue removal with heat (radiofrequency ablation)
- Ultrasonic vibrations produced with a harmonic scalpel
Recovery Advice
You can also expect friendly staff members to offer advice on what you can do to make the recovery process as smooth as possible for yourself or your child. Medication is usually recommended to ease post-surgery discomfort, which sometimes extends beyond the throat to areas around the ears or jaw. It generally takes about a week or so to fully recovery from tonsil removal, although children tend to recover a bit faster than adults. During the recovery period, recommendations provided are likely to involve:
- Diet suggestions that normally include softer, easy to swallow foods, but nothing excessively hot or spicy
- Drinking plenty of fluids
- Getting sufficient rest and avoiding strenuous activities for a few weeks
Since tonsil removal is a fairly routine procedure, there are usually only minimal risks associated with this type of surgery performed at a tonsillectomy clinic. If your child is having this procedure, pay attention to any signs of infection or bleeding. It’s also normal to have some temporary discomfort after tonsils are removed. You may even notice noisy breathing or louder snoring post-surgery. However, issues of this nature tend to go away after your throat fully heals.