What To Expect When You Have Your Tonsils Removed As An Adult
by Julia Gregory
Years ago, it was common for ENT surgeons to remove tonsils from teenagers and children who suffered from frequent colds and respiratory infections. This practice has largely fallen by the wayside, but adults who have trouble with tonsil infections and tonsil stones may still benefit from having their tonsils removed. If this procedure has been recommended to you, then you're probably wondering what to expect. Take a look.
Preparing for Tonsil Removal
Tonsil removal surgery, also known as a tonsillectomy, is generally performed by an ENT surgeon. So if the doctor who has diagnosed and has been treating your tonsil problems is not an ENT, they will likely refer you to one. You'll have a brief evaluation with this surgeon, during which they'll examine your tonsils, review your medical records, and make sure you're a good candidate for surgery. If they agree surgery is a good choice, they'll schedule you.
Tonsil removal surgery is usually done under general anesthetic, which means you'll be completely asleep and unaware during the procedure. Because you'll be getting general anesthesia, you won't be able to eat for about 12 hours before surgery, and you may need to stop taking certain medications, such as blood thinners and certain birth control pills.
Having Your Tonsils Removed
When you arrive at the surgical center on the day of your procedure, you'll change into a hospital gown and relax in a hospital bed. Once your vital signs are taken, the anesthesiologist will insert an IV and give you the anesthesia. After you're fully anesthetized, the ENT surgeon will use either a scalpel or a special surgical laser to remove your tonsils. The laser tends to cause less bleeding and allow for a shorter recovery time, but sometimes it cannot be used, depending on the size and shape of your tonsils.
There won't be any stitches, but the area where your tonsils were will be cauterized to prevent infection and stop the bleeding. The whole process should take less than an hour, and then you'll wake up.
Recovering From Tonsil Removal
Patients usually go home the same day as surgery. Your throat will be very sore, but your doctor will likely prescribe a pain reliever and an anesthetic throat spray to keep you comfortable. Sucking on ice cubes and popsicles will also help. You'll need to stick to soft and liquid foods for about a week, and after that, you can slowly start incorporating more textured foods into your diet. If your job does not require a lot of talking, you can usually go back to work about a week post-surgery, but professionals who speak a lot at work may need a little more time off.
Hopefully, you now have a better idea of what to expect from tonsil removal surgery. Talk to your ENT surgeon for more specific information.
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About Me
The decision to move one of my parents into assisted living was one of the most difficult I have ever made. I had extreme feelings of guilt that led to me being at the facility with my parent practically around the clock. It took a few months before I realized that I could not let my own life fall apart from the guilt I was feeling. I also learned that my parent was fine without me constantly hovering around. Since that time, I have had several friends express similar feelings of guilt. I started this blog to help others in the same situation understand not only their feelings about assisted living, but those of their parents.