Tonsillectomy/Adenoidectomy
What is Tonsillectomy/Adenoidectomy?
Tonsils are small, round glands in the back of the mouth and top of the throat. They help to filter out bacteria and other germs to prevent infection in the body. A tonsillectomy is the surgical procedure to remove the tonsils.
Similar to tonsils, adenoids are glands that sit in your upper airway between your nose and the back of your throat. It is common for the adenoids to be removed at the same time as tonsils. This procedure is called adenoidectomy. When these procedures happen together, it may be referred to as T&A.
The tonsils and adenoids work hard to protect against infections. However, it is not uncommon for excess bacteria to get trapped, causing frequent or very painful sore throats. Additionally, children may experience swollen and inflamed glands which can lead to serious breathing problems at night. In either case, your child’s doctor may determine that taking them out is in the best interest of your child.
Why is this procedure performed?
Repeat medical conditions known as tonsillitis and adenoiditis are the most common reasons your child may need to have their tonsils or adenoids removed. Both of these infections are painful and can cause breathing/swallowing issues.
The decision to perform this surgery is determined by the frequency, severity, and the intensity of the symptoms caused by these infections. When the following situations occur due to tonsillitis and adenoiditis, your child’s doctor will consider the procedure if:
Your child has infections often, seven or more times in one year, or five or more times each year over the last two years.
These infections cause your child to miss a lot of school.
Your child has trouble breathing, either when awake or asleep.
Your child has trouble swallowing.
Are there any risks to this surgery?
As with any surgery, there are always risks involved such as breathing problems or an adverse reaction to anesthesia, though these are rare. Other potential risks of a Tonsillectomy/Adenoidectomy include:
Bleeding during the surgery, immediately afterward, or in recovery at home
Dehydration from not drinking enough fluids
Difficulty breathing from swelling after the surgery
Infection at the site of the surgery
There may be other risks, depending on your child’s specific medical condition. However, this is considered a low-risk procedure. Of course, be sure to discuss any concerns with your child’s doctor before the procedure.
What should I expect on the day of the procedure?
More often than not, Tonsillectomy & Adenoidectomy procedures are performed on an outpatient basis, meaning your child will go home the same day as the surgery. At AOC, we perform the majority of these procedures at our outpatient surgery center located at our Kanis location in Little Rock.
Before the scheduled procedure, your child will be asked not to eat for 8 hours before the surgery. The procedure will last approximately 30 minutes to 1 hour, and this is what you can generally expect:
Your child is first taken to the operating room.
Once there, your child will receive anesthesia to sedate them for the procedure.
Using surgical instruments, your child’s doctor will remove the tonsils and adenoids.With almost all tonsillectomies and adenoidectomies, the glands are removed through the child’s mouth. There are no cuts to the skin and no visible scars.
Afterwards, your child will spend some time in recovery being closely monitored before being sent home.
How long is the recovery?
In the recovery room, a nurse will monitor your child’s progress, and you will likely be going home with your child within a few hours.
What does recovery look like at home?
It’s time to stock up on some popsicles and soft foods for your child. Full recovery from tonsillectomies and adenoidectomies is expected to happen after two weeks. During that time, it is imperative that your child remains hydrated, eats soft and soothing food (ie. pudding, ice cream), and takes it easy. Keep in mind that your child should avoid contact with anyone who is sick during this time because they are much more prone to infection.