Tonsillectomy may sound like a scary word once your ENT doctor recommends you to have it. However, it is actually a common surgical procedure that has been performed safely and effectively for many decades. A tonsillectomy can help improve your quality of life, especially if you have frequent throat problems or choking problems from enlarged tonsils. Let’s take a closer look at what tonsillectomy is, and if you really need it.
What is Tonsillectomy?
Tonsillectomy is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of the tonsils. The tonsils are two small glands located in the back of the throat that help fight off infections. However, in some cases, the tonsils can become infected themselves, leading to a host of uncomfortable symptoms. That’s where tonsillectomy comes in.
Do I Really Need Tonsillectomy?
Whether or not you need a tonsillectomy depends on a variety of factors, including the severity and frequency of your symptoms. If you’re experiencing recurrent tonsillitis, difficulty breathing, or sleep apnea, a tonsillectomy may be recommended by your ENT doctor . However, if your symptoms are mild and infrequent, your ENT doctor may suggest other non-surgical treatments first.
What are the Indications for Tonsillectomy According to AAO-HNS?
Seven or more episodes of tonsillitis in one year
Five or more episodes of tonsillitis per year for two years
Three or more episodes of tonsillitis per year for three years
- Obstructive sleep-disordered breathing, including sleep apnea, that is not responding to other treatments
- Multiple antibiotic allergies, having severe sore throat episodes which are not tolerated , and if the sickness interferes with school or performance, or frequent hospital admissions.
- Clinical syndromes like recurrent peritonsillar abscess or PFAPA, a syndrome where your child has frequent bouts of mouth sores, enlarged lymph nodes, fever and sore throat.
- Other clinical indications like bad breath halitosis, seizures because of fever, and a misaligned bite.
The decision to have a tonsillectomy is of course, based on the assessment of your ENT surgeon, and is based on the severity of your illness, your quality of life, and potential benefits and risks of the surgery.
How Safe is Tonsillectomy?
Tonsillectomy is generally considered a safe and effective procedure. However, like any surgery, there are risks involved. These can include bleeding, infection, and damage to nearby structures like the tongue and teeth. That’s why it’s important to choose an experienced ENT doctor who can minimize these risks and ensure a successful outcome.
To read more about tonsillectomy, how it is done, the risks and benefits, and what to expect post – op, please read this next blog.
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