TONSILS
Tonsils may be removed (with or without the adenoids) when the child/adult has repeated tonsillitis or obstruction of the upper airway, and/or Sleep apnea. This is a condition in which the child/adult snores loudly and stops breathing temporarily at intervals during sleep. Other indications include: inability to swallow properly because of enlarged tonsils, abscess formation around the tonsil and other speech abnormalities due to enlarged tonsils.
Most would agree that 6-7 cases of tonsillitis in any one year; 4 or more episodes of tonsillitis per year in two consecutive years; or 3 or more episodes of tonsillitis per year for three consecutive years indicate that the tonsils should be removed.
Enlarged Tonsils
ADENOIDS
Adenoids may be removed (with or without the tonsils) when the child has any of the following conditions:
- Upper airway obstruction (including nasal blockage)
- Glue ear
- Difficult speech or swallowing
- Sinusitis
Tonsillectomy is a hospital procedure performed under general anesthesia (asleep). Your specialist removes the tonsils and adenoids through the mouth.
Patients are usually sent home the next day, with instructions to call the doctor if there is bleeding, or a prolonged fever. They are told to expect a white scab to form in the throat between five and 10 days after surgery.