Tonsillectomy

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Hypertropic Tonsillitis
Tonsillectomy
Tonsillectomy (ton-sih-LEK-tuh-me) is the surgical removal of the tonsils, two ovalshaped pads of tissue at the back of the throat one tonsil on each side.
A tonsillectomy was once a common procedure to treat infection and inflammation of
the tonsils (tonsillitis). Today, a tonsillectomy is usually performed for sleep-disordered
breathing but may still be a treatment when tonsillitis occurs frequently or doesn't
respond to other treatments.
A tonsillectomy may also be necessary to treat breathing and other problems related to
enlarged tonsils and to treat rare diseases of the tonsils.
Recovery time for a tonsillectomy is usually at least 10 days to two weeks.
Why it's done

Tonsillectomy is used to treat:
Recurring, chronic or severe tonsillitis
Complications of enlarged tonsils
Other rare diseases of the tonsils
Tonsillitis
Tonsils produce certain types of disease-fighting white blood cells. Therefore, the tonsils
are believed to act as the immune system's first line of defense against bacteria and
viruses that enter your mouth.
This function may make them particularly vulnerable to infection and inflammation. The
problem is more common in children because the immune system function of tonsils is
most active before puberty. Also, unlike an adult's immune system, a child's system has
had less exposure to bacteria and viruses and has yet to develop immunities to them.
A tonsillectomy may be recommended to prevent frequent, recurring episodes of
tonsillitis. Frequent is generally defined as:
More than seven episodes a year
More than five episodes a year in each of the preceding two years
More than three episodes a year in each of the preceding three years
The procedure may also be recommended if:
A bacterial infection causing tonsillitis doesn't improve with antibiotic treatment
An infection that results in a collection of pus behind a tonsil (tonsillar abscess)

doesn't improve with drug treatment or a drainage procedure
Complications of enlarged tonsils

Tonsils may become enlarged after frequent or persistent infections, or they may be
naturally large. A tonsillectomy may be used to treat the following problems caused or
complicated by enlarged tonsils:
Difficulty breathing
Disrupted breathing during sleep
Difficulty swallowing
Other diseases of the tonsils

A tonsillectomy may also be used to treat other rare diseases or conditions of the
tonsils, such as:
Cancerous tissue in one or both tonsils
Recurrent bleeding from blood vessels near the surface of the tonsils
Risks
Tonsillectomy, like other surgeries, has certain risks:
Reactions to anesthetics. Medication to make you sleep during surgery often causes
minor, short-term problems, such as headache, nausea, vomiting or muscle soreness.
Serious, long-term problems are rare, though general anesthesia is not without the risk of
death.
Swelling. Swelling of the tongue and soft roof of the mouth (soft palate) can cause
breathing problems, particularly during the first few hours after the procedure.
Bleeding during surgery. In rare cases, severe bleeding occurs during surgery and
requires additional treatment and a longer hospital stay.
Bleeding during healing. Bleeding can occur during the healing process, particularly if the
scab from the wound is dislodged too soon. Emergency surgery to stop the bleeding is
riskier than scheduled surgeries that allow for appropriate pre-surgical safeguards, such as
fasting.
Infection. Rarely, surgery can lead to an infection that requires further treatment
How you prepare

You'll receive instructions from the hospital on how to prepare yourself or your child for
a tonsillectomy.
Information you'll likely be asked to provide includes:
All medications, including over-the-counter drugs and dietary supplements, taken regularly
Personal or family history of adverse reactions to anesthetics
Personal or family history of bleeding disorders
Known allergy or other negative reactions to medications, such as antibiotics
Instructions for preparing will include the following:
Don't take aspirin or other medications containing aspirin for at least two weeks prior to
surgery.
Don't eat anything after midnight before the scheduled surgery. Your surgeon should
provide you instructions about drinking liquids prior to reporting to the hospital.
Make arrangements for a ride home.
Plan for 10 days to two weeks or more of recovery time. Adults may need more time than
children.
What you can expect

Tonsillectomy is usually done as an outpatient procedure. That means you'll be able to
go home the day of the surgery. An overnight stay is possible if complications arise of if
the surgery is done on a young child or on someone who has a complex medical
condition.
During the surgery

Because a tonsillectomy is performed under general anesthesia, you or your child won't
be aware of the procedure or experience pain during the surgery.
The surgeon may cut out the tonsils using a blade (scalpel) or a specialized surgical tool
that uses heat or high-energy heat or sound waves to remove or destroy tissues and
stop bleeding.
During recovery
Nearly everyone experiences pain after a tonsillectomy. Pain is most often in the throat,
but it may also be located in the ears, jaw or neck.
Steps that you can take to reduce pain, promote recovery and prevent complications
include the following:
Medications. Take pain medications as directed by your surgeon or the hospital staff.
Fluids. It's important to get plenty of fluids after surgery. Water and ice pops are good
choices.
Food. Bland foods that are easy to swallow, such as applesauce or broth, are the best
choices immediately after surgery. Foods such as ice cream and pudding can be added to
the diet if they're tolerated. Foods that are easy to chew and swallow should be added to the
diet as soon as possible. Avoid spicy, hard or crunchy foods.
Rest. Bed rest is important for several days after surgery, and strenuous activities such
as running and bike riding should be avoided for two weeks after surgery. You or your
child should be able to return to work or school after resuming a normal diet, sleeping
normally through the night and not needing pain medication. Talk to your doctor about any
activities that should be avoided.
When to see the doctor or get emergency care

Watch for the following complications that require prompt medical care:
Bleeding. Any bleeding requires a trip to the emergency room for a prompt evaluation and
treatment. Surgery to stop bleeding may be necessary.
Fever. Call your doctor if you or your child has a fever of 102 F (38.9 C) or higher.
Dehydration. Call your doctor if you observe signs of dehydration, such as reduced
urination, thirst, weakness, headache, dizziness or lightheadedness. Common signs of
dehydration in children include urinating fewer than two or three times a day or crying with
no tears.
Breathing problems. Snoring or noisy breathing is common during the first week or so of
recovery. However, if you or your child is having difficulty breathing, get emergency care.
University of Perpetual Help System DALTA Molino Campus

C O L L E G E
O F
N U R S I N G
Tonsillectomy
Submitted by:
Ben David B. Pajanustan
Submitted to:
Ruby Rosa Lamorena, RN, MSN

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Demographic data

Why it's done

Recurring, chronic or severe tonsillitis

Complications of enlarged tonsils

Other rare diseases of the tonsils

More than seven episodes a year

The procedure may also be recommended if:

A bacterial infection causing tonsillitis doesn't improve with antibiotic treatment

An infection that results in a collection of pus behind a tonsil (tonsillar abscess)

Complications of enlarged tonsils

Disrupted breathing during sleep

Other diseases of the tonsils

Cancerous tissue in one or both tonsils

How you prepare

Personal or family history of adverse reactions to anesthetics

Personal or family history of bleeding disorders

Known allergy or other negative reactions to medications, such as antibiotics

Instructions for preparing will include the following:

Make arrangements for a ride home.

What you can expect

During the surgery

When to see the doctor or get emergency care

University of Perpetual Help System DALTA Molino Campus

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