Tonsil and Adenoid Surgery
Tonsillectomy (removal of the tonsils) and adenoidectomy (removal of the adenoids) are among the most frequently performed operations of childhood, and are done in adults when indicated. In well-selected patients they bring striking improvement in sleep quality, feeding and infection frequency.
Before surgery
After examination and any necessary blood tests, an anaesthesia assessment is made. Anaesthesia is what worries families most; modern paediatric anaesthesia in experienced hands is very safe. Aspirin-like blood thinners must be stopped beforehand — tell your doctor about every medication being taken.
How is the operation done?
Both procedures are performed through the mouth under general anaesthesia — there is no skin incision or scar. Classic dissection or low-temperature techniques such as coblation may be used. The operation usually takes 20–40 minutes. Where needed, ear tubes are inserted in the same session. Most patients are discharged the same day or the following morning.
After surgery: what you should know
- Pain: throat pain radiating to the ears is normal after tonsillectomy and may last 7–10 days. Regular pain relief, as prescribed, is the most important part of recovery. After adenoidectomy alone, pain is much milder.
- Diet: plenty of fluids and soft, lukewarm foods (yoghurt, pudding, pasta, ice cream) for the first days. Avoid acidic, hot and hard/crunchy foods for 2 weeks. Good hydration itself reduces pain.
- White membrane: the whitish layer in the tonsil beds is normal healing tissue, not infection.
- Bleeding: the most important complication (1–3%), most often around days 5–10 when the membrane separates. If bright red blood comes from the mouth, go to hospital immediately, whatever the amount.
- Activity: one week off school and two weeks without strenuous exercise.
What to expect after recovery
Snoring and open-mouth sleeping usually disappear within weeks; appetite and weight gain improve and infections become much less frequent. Adenoids may rarely regrow partially (especially when removed at a very young age); if symptoms return, arrange a check-up.
Frequently Asked Questions
How are tonsil and adenoid operations performed?
Both procedures are done through the mouth under general anaesthesia, so there is no skin incision or scar. The operation usually takes 20 to 40 minutes, ear tubes can be inserted in the same session if needed, and most patients go home the same day or the following morning.
What should I do before tonsil surgery?
Before surgery there is an examination, any necessary blood tests and an anaesthesia assessment. Aspirin-like blood thinners must be stopped beforehand, and you should tell your doctor about every medication being taken.
What can you eat after a tonsillectomy?
For the first days, plenty of fluids along with soft, lukewarm foods such as yoghurt, pudding, pasta and ice cream are recommended. Acidic, hot and hard or crunchy foods should be avoided for about two weeks, and good hydration itself helps reduce pain.
How long does pain last after a tonsillectomy?
Throat pain that radiates to the ears is normal after tonsillectomy and may last 7 to 10 days; taking pain relief regularly as prescribed is the most important part of recovery. After adenoidectomy alone, the pain is much milder.
What should I do if there is bleeding after tonsil surgery?
Bleeding is the most important complication, occurring in about 1 to 3 percent of cases, most often around days 5 to 10 as the healing membrane separates. If bright red blood comes from the mouth, go to hospital immediately, whatever the amount.
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