Tonsillectomy, also known as “tahn-suh-LEK-tuh-me,” is the operation to take out your tonsils. Your tonsils are oval, soft lumps at the back of your mouth. Typically, you have two tonsils, one on each side.
In most cases, the operation involves taking out the entire tonsils. However, in certain situations, only a part of the tonsils might need to be removed.
Prior to the operation, your medical professional will perform a standard examination to verify your fitness for surgery. They might also ask for bloodwork.
Your medical professional will provide you with a comprehensive set of instructions to follow before the surgery. It’s important to adhere to these directions carefully.
Your medical professional will administer a broad anaesthesia to ensure you remain unconscious and at ease throughout your surgery. Following that, they will take out your tonsils.
In most cases, a tonsillectomy takes about 20 to 30 minutes to complete. It could take longer in some instances.
Following your tonsillectomy, your healthcare team will move you to a recovery zone. In this space, your doctor will monitor your essential signs (such as blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen levels in the blood) to ensure there are no issues after the surgery. A tonsillectomy is typically a procedure you can return home from the same day.
However, complications are uncommon. Should they occur, your doctor may decide to keep you overnight in the hospital to oversee your recovery.
Having a tonsillectomy can offer many benefits, including:
Generally, individuals typically achieve complete healing within a span of two weeks. The duration of recovery varies based on various elements, such as the kind of tonsillectomy performed, your body’s ability to heal, and the presence of any issues.
While healing looks a little different for everyone, here’s a general timeline of what to expect during tonsillectomy recovery:
Staying hydrated is crucial for a smooth recovery from a tonsillectomy. Additionally, it’s advisable to consume soft, chilled foods during the initial week. You may begin eating more substantial foods when you feel ready, but it’s important to steer clear of tough and spicy items, as these can aggravate the healing site.
You should take at the minimum 10 days off from work or school after getting your tonsils removed. Being at home can help lower the chances of catching a cold or any other infections that may occur after the surgery.
Following a tonsillectomy, it’s normal to experience some pain. Typically, adults find it harder to recover than kids. This is a common reaction and should resolve within a few weeks. Your doctor will prescribe drugs and provide guidance on what to do after the surgery to reduce your pain.
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