Everything You Need to Know About Tonsillectomy Surgery
The tonsils, medically called tonsils, are clusters of lymphatic tissue located at the entrance to the respiratory and digestive systems.
The tonsils can be divided into 3 groups: palatine tonsils, pharyngeal tonsils and lingual tonsils – together they form lymphatic tissue known as Waldeyer’s ring.
Given their position in the human body, the tonsils are the place of primary contact with bacteria and viruses. We can say that they are on the first line of defense of the lower respiratory system against pathogens, but they also play a significant role in the immune protection of the whole body.
Tonsillectomy (tonsillectomy) is done in children for many reasons, always following the general condition of the child.
Long-term inflammation affects the development of the immune system and interferes with normal functioning, concomitant diseases such as peritonsillar abscess, sepsis and obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (interruption of breathing) can occur.
Tonsillectomy surgery in children is one of the most common procedures in otorhinolaryngology and one of the most common surgical procedures in children in general.
However, this does not mean that tonsils should always be removed when a child has frequent sore throats or purulent tonsillitis, especially since tonsils play a significant role in protecting the body.
Today, there are clear guidelines according to which doctors indicate tonsillectomy surgery in children. The Interdisciplinary Section for the Control of Antibiotic Resistance (ISKRA) provides guidelines for absolute and relative indications according to which it is decided when tonsillectomy is necessary.
Tonsillar problem is the collective name for a set of issues related to deciding when tonsillectomy is necessary. A justified indication for tonsillectomy surgery in children is when the removal of the tonsils will bring more benefits than harm to the child.
In the medical profession, views on the need for tonsillectomy have ranged between two extremes.
One side believed that the tonsils should be removed from all children because it prevents tonsil diseases and all accompanying diseases such as inflammation of the joints, kidneys, heart valves. The other side advocated that tonsils should not be removed at all because of their importance for the immune system.
Today, there are precise indications for tonsillectomy in children that are brought at the national level.
Sometimes parents express doubts about the doctor’s decision to have tonsil surgery.
Their child does not have frequent sore throats and tonsillitis. However, one of the more significant factors is breathing disorders during sleep. If a child snores, has pauses in breathing, sweats, spins and sleeps restlessly, it can have serious consequences on his development.
Obstruction of breathing with interruptions lasting 5 seconds or longer over a period of several months (or years) can lead to damage to the walls of blood vessels, brain, heart and lungs and impaired cognitive development of the child.
In the event of symptoms and conditions that indicate the need for tonsillectomy surgery, it is recommended that the child be monitored for a six-month period. The indication for surgery is made with regard to the general condition of the child and the presence of the above conditions.
In these cases, tonsillectomy removal is not performed, mostly due to the high risk of complications during or after the procedure.
In deciding on the removal of tonsils in children, the information that the doctor receives from the parents and the clinical examination of the child, expertise and experience are important. Once tonsillectomy surgery is indicated, it is important to do the procedure as soon as possible to achieve the greatest possible success.
Tonsillectomy means surgical removal of the lymphatic tissue of the palatine tonsils. The palatal or palatal tonsils develop towards the end of the fetal period and are located between the anterior and posterior palatal arches.
Tonsillectomy surgery in children is mostly done From the 3rd year and onwards. There are cases when the procedure needs to be done earlier, it depends on the general health of the child and the indication for surgery.
During the procedure at the Lohuis Filipović Polyclinic , we use modern instruments and techniques to reduce postoperative pain and possible complications.
In our country, the most commonly used technique is to remove the tonsils by a combination of blunt and sharp dissection with reusable instruments. In addition to the above, tonsils can also be operated on with radiofrequency, LASER (diode, CO2), ultrasonic knife or electrocautery. Depending on the reason for the tonsillectomy and each individual case, the surgeon decides which technique is best for the patient – most often he combines several types of instruments and techniques.
Tonsillectomy in children is a relatively simple surgical procedure in the hands of an experienced surgeon. In most cases, it is treated as if it were an outpatient procedure, when the child does not have concomitant diseases that increase the risk of complications.
Before the operation, it is necessary to explain to the child as much as possible what is going to happen, appropriate to his age and ability to understand. This ensures that the child willingly participates in the proceedings and that he feels as little fear and anxiety as possible.
It is also important for parents to remain calm, provide the child with security and comfort.
Before tonsillectomy surgery, it is necessary to perform a clinical examination by an otorhinolaryngologist and blood and urine tests.
On the day of the operation, it is necessary to bring all the necessary medical documentation. Given that the procedure in children is performed under general anesthesia, the child must not consume food and drink from midnight of the previous day.
Upon completion of the procedure, the child is observed in hospital conditions. Already two hours after the operation, we give the child liquid, tea or boiled water, which moisturizes the operated area and activates the pharyngeal muscles.
Hydration is extremely important in the postoperative period, drinking fluids (avoid carbonated drinks!) promotes wound healing and reduces pain.
In the Outpatient Clinic for Otorhinolaryngology & Head and Neck Surgery of the Lohuis Filipović Polyclinic, we have gathered an internationally recognized team of doctors closely subspecialized in solving certain problems that occur in the ear, nose and throat (ENT) and head and neck area, in adult patients and children.
At pediatric otorhinolaryngology , we are dedicated to an individual approach to each patient and we always make sure that children are as comfortable as possible. In addition to their great expertise, our doctors have a warm and caring approach to their “little patients”, and parental cooperation is necessary for them.
The removal of the tonsils itself takes only 15-30 minutes, but with preparation and postoperative care, you should be prepared for a time duration of about 3 hours.
After tonsillectomy, unlike conventional surgical procedures, the surgical site is not closed by suturing , but an open wound remains, which heals itself, the so-called secondary wound healing.
On the second day after surgery, the wound becomes covered with white deposits that fall off between the 4th and 8th day after the procedure. If you feel that your child has intense bad breath, it is a sign that he is not drinking enough fluids.
For a speedy recovery, it is extremely important to make sure that the child takes about 2 liters of fluid a day. It is also necessary to insist on bed rest and avoid visits in the days after the procedure.
Pain is common in the days after surgery, the child should be given analgesics (for example, ibuprofen) as directed by the doctor.
It is also possible to have pain in the ear, it is not an inflammation but a reflexive pain due to a wound in the pharynx. You can also expect the appearance of fever (up to 38°C), which needs to be treated with antipyretics as directed by the doctor.
If the child has a temperature higher than 38°C for more than two days, it is necessary to contact a doctor because this is a possible symptom of infection.
Changes in the voice after tonsillectomy surgery are also normal. Immediately after the procedure, the child speaks quietly and squeaky because it spares the throat.
Even after the healing is complete, the voice can be different because the resonant space in which the voice is formed changes. 3 to 6 months after the procedure, the final timbre and range of the voice are evaluated.
During the postoperative period after tonsillectomy, the child will be on a special diet. Excessively salty, acidic, cold, hot or spicy foods should not be consumed . “Coarse” foods that could irritate the pharynx should be avoided.
On the day of the procedure – after the operation, the child should not eat or drink for the first 2 hours. After that, you should consume as much liquid as possible, lukewarm tea or boiled water.
For the first seven days after the procedure, the child should not brush his teeth (showering can be normal).
After the 12th day of the postoperative period, he can resume a normal diet. The child can usually return to normal activities, kindergarten or school two weeks after the procedure.
The speed of recovery after tonsillectomy surgery also depends on the parents.
It is necessary to insist on taking 2 liters or more of fluids a day, do not allow visits and ensure that the child is at rest, does not strain the throat with loud speech, wheezing, coughing and the like.
Proper hydration is especially important because it prevents possible complications, primarily the occurrence of bleeding.
In case you need surgery or just suspect that something is wrong, do not wait – make an appointment for your child today by calling +3851 2444 646, or by filling out the online form.
Tonsillectomy is usually a routine procedure, takes a short time and does not pose a great risk. This surgical procedure is treated as an outpatient procedure and serious complications of tonsillectomy rarely occur after surgery.
One of the complications that can occur is bleeding (even 7-14 days after the surgery itself) since after tonsil surgery, the site of the procedure is not stitched. A significant factor in preventing bleeding after tonsillectomy is adherence to hygiene and nutritional measures in the postoperative period.
Infections can occur, so it is extremely important to prevent visits to the operated child. Every visitor is a potential source of infection during the recovery period.
It is also possible that after the procedure, a part of the tonsillar tissue remains, which can later be enlarged and needs to be surgically removed. This complication occurs in a rarer number of cases.
Given that tonsillectomy is not a particularly complex surgical procedure, the recovery of the child after surgery is relatively fast in most cases. Children tolerate the pain that is normal in the postoperative period relatively well.
Parents are an important factor in the child’s recovery after tonsillectomy surgery, so it is important for them to educate themselves and insist on following the instructions of professional staff.
In case you need surgery or just suspect that something is wrong, do not wait – make an appointment for your child today by calling +3851 2444 646, or by filling out the online form.
The main goal of LF Polyclinic is to improve the quality of life and health of our clients by providing them with top-notch healthcare services.
