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Summary
This routine outpatient procedure is used to remove the tonsils, the large glands located in the back of the throat to defend and protect against external infections.
In some people who have frequent throat and ear infections, removal of the tonsils can help reduce the number of infections. For those people with very large tonsils, removal may be a solution to help them breathe better and sleep easier.
Preparation
During preparation for the operation, the patient is placed in the operating position and general anaesthesia is administered through an IV drip. A special guard is inserted into the mouth to keep the mouth open and allow access to the tonsils.
Removal of tonsils
The surgeon grasps the tonsil to hold it in place and uses a scalpel or cautery instrument to gently free the tonsil from the throat wall. The blood vessels leading to the tonsils are sealed to minimise bleeding. Once the first tonsil is removed, the surgeon repeats the procedure for the other tonsil on the other side of the throat.
End of the procedure and subsequent treatment
The patient is monitored in a recovery area after the procedure while the anaesthesia wears off. The throat may bleed for a short time after surgery and the pain may last 5 to 10 days. Analgesics and soft foods are recommended during recovery.
Overview
This routine, outpatient procedure is used toremove the tonsils. These are the large glands atthe back of the throat that normally help protectagainst infection. In some people who havefrequent throat and ear infections, removing thetonsils can help reduce the number of infections.People who have very large tonsils may also havethem removed so that they can breathe and sleepmore easily.
Preparation
During preparation for the procedure, the patient ispositioned, and general anesthesia is administeredthrough an IV. A special guard is inserted in themouth to hold the mouth open and allow access tothe tonsils.
Removing the Tonsils
The surgeon grasps the tonsil to hold it steady anduses a scalpel or cauterizing tool to gently free thetonsil from the wall of the throat. The blood vesselsthat lead to the tonsil are sealed to minimizebleeding. Once the first tonsil is removed, thesurgeon repeats the procedure for the tonsil on theother side of the throat.
End of Procedure and Aftercare
The patient is monitored in a recovery area after theprocedure while the anesthesia wears off. Thethroat may bleed a small amount after surgery, andsoreness may last for 5 to 10 days. Pain relieversand soft foods are recommended during recovery.
