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Tonsils and Adenoids – When to take them out
By: Dr. Leonard Carroll
 Board Certified General Surgeon
Each person has two tonsils, one on each side of the back of the throat. They look like reddish oval-shaped masses and are easy to see. The adenoids are high in the throat behind the nose and roof of the mouth and cannot be seen without special equipment. The tonsils and adenoids help the body fight respiratory infections such as colds; however, when they begin to cause health problems, tonsils and adenoids can be removed without changing the body’s ability to fight infection. The procedure is relatively a simple one.
Why would I need to have my tonsils and/or adenoids removed?
Trouble breathing at night because of swelling
Snoring
Frequent infections of the tonsils (more than seven serious infections of the tonsils in a year or four infections each year for two consecutive years)
An abscess (build-up of pus) around one or both tonsils
At the strep carrier state – meaning that strep bacteria are living in the tonsils and adenoids, and the bacteria are causing repeated infections or spreading infection to other people
Difficulty in swallowing
Continued ear problems in children after the first set of tubes
Fever of 101 degrees (F) or higher associated with symptoms above
How do you prepare for the tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy?
Prior to any surgery, the doctor will give a complete medical exam and evaluate your overall health. You may be required to have lab tests or x-rays. Your doctor will also review the potential risks and benefits of the operation. It is important that you ask questions and fully understand the reason for surgery. Your physician will also provide specific instructions on how to prepare for the surgery, including guidelines on eating, drinking, smoking or avoiding certain medications.
What are the benefits of this procedure?
The procedure helps prevent repeated sore throats, and breathing or swallowing problems will get better. There is relief from ongoing ear infections in children.
What are the risks associated with this type of surgery?
Complications are rare and usually minor. However, you could experience the following:
Problems with general anesthesia – Your surgeon will discuss your prior history with general anesthesia.
Bleeding - As your throat heals, the scab comes off, and your throat could bleed. If this happens, spit the blood out.
Soreness in tongue area - The device used to keep your mouth open during surgery could cause some temporary numbness or soreness in your tongue.
Dehydration - You might become dehydrated if you are unable to swallow.
What happens during the procedure?
The surgery is usually an outpatient procedure. Before the operation starts, you will be given a general anesthetic. This drug will relax your muscles and cause a deep sleep. It will prevent you from feeling any pain during the surgery.
The surgeon will use a device to keep your mouth open and expose the tonsils in the back of your throat. Then the tonsils and adenoids will be removed. The surgeon may use stitches or a burning tool (cautery) to help stop any bleeding. The device used to keep the mouth open will then be removed. The procedure typically takes no longer than 15-20 minutes to complete.
What happens afterwards?
More than likely, you will go home on the day of your surgery; however, depending on your condition, an overnight hospital stay could be required. You will have a sore throat and be uncomfortable for about seven to ten days. It will hurt to swallow. You may want to avoid strenuous activity for about a week.
You don’t have to suffer with tonsil or adenoid problems. The operation to remove them is a very simple one and can normally be done in any local hospital. For additional information call 863-983-5026.
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