Tonsillectomy (tonsils removal)

Tonsillectomy is a surgical procedure involving the removal of tonsils. This is the most common surgery performed in otolaryngology. It is performed in cases where previous conservative treatment has not been beneficial. The following indications for the procedure are: chronic tonsilitis, recurrent tonsillitis, peritonsillar abscess, sepsis of the adenoidal origin, significant hypertrophy of tonsils hindering breathing, suspicion of tonsils tumour. The indications include: persistent odour from the mouth as a result of abundant production of tonsils plugs, carriers of diphtheria bacteria. We always carefully analyze the patient’s immune system before performing the procedure. Some patients with diabetes, leukaemia, tuberculosis or other serious systemic diseases will not be able to have this treatment. Sometimes the contraindication is cleft palate. Tonsillectomy can be performed under local anaesthesia (patient is conscious, but does not feel pain because the surgical field is anaesthetized) or general anaesthesia (patient sleeps for the time of surgery). The entire tonsils tissue is removed during the treatment. Excessive bleeding is inhibited by pressure, vessel ligation or electrocoagulation. The most common complication is prolonged bleeding. In most cases it disappears spontaneously after about two weeks. The operation may also be followed by a difference in voice sound. This is due to the change of resonance space in the oral cavity and is especially important for singers, actors, etc. After surgery, the patient should rest and reduce physical effort to a minimum. For the first days, an appropriate diet of liquid/semi-liquid food is necessary. Patients should avoid hot, sour meals not to irritate the postoperative wounds. Persistent pain should be relieved with painkillers recommended by the attending physician. Full recovery should take place in about 7-10 days after the treatment.