The removal of the palatine tonsils on either side of the throat is known as a tonsillectomy. The adenoid glands behind the nose at the back of the throat are removed during an adenoidectomy.
There are two surgeries to remove glands from your throat: tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy. Although they are occasionally done on adults, these operations are more frequently done on youngsters.
If you or your child suffers from recurring throat infections or obstructive sleep apnea, your doctor might suggest a tonsillectomy. If you have recurring ear infections or obstructive sleep apnea, they might suggest an adenoidectomy.
Continue reading to find out more about these two operations, including what they involve and when they are done.
What is a tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy?
The palatine tonsils, which are two lymph tissue bundles on either side of the back of the throat and aid in protecting the body from pathogens inhaled through the mouth, are removed entirely during a tonsillectomy.
The tonsillectomy is a frequently performed surgical procedure. In the US, more than 500,000 procedures involving minors under the age of 15 are carried out annually.
Your adenoids are removed via an adenoidectomy. These glands are located behind your nasal cavity at the back of your throat. Though they get smaller with age, they have a similar purpose to your palatine tonsils. It is rare to have adenoid tissue in adulthood.
Why are tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy done?
Most frequently, tonsillectomies are used to treat recurring tonsil inflammation, also known as tonsilitis or obstructive sleep apnea.
Since doctors now know more about the tonsils’ immunological function, tonsillectomies are not as frequently utilized to treat tonsilitis as they once were. According to research, those who are tonsil-free are more susceptible to allergy, infectious, and respiratory conditions.
The adenoids are often removed in childhood and vanish before adulthood. If your child suffers from repeated sinus infections or ear infections in addition to obstructive sleep apnea, the doctor may suggest an adenoidectomy.
What happens during a tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy?
Generally, a tonsillectomy is done while you are unconscious thanks to a general anesthetic. Usually, it takes less than thirty minutes.
Your tonsils will be removed during the procedure by your surgeon using one of the following methods:
- removing them using a scalpel
- burning them through cauterization
- using ultrasonic vibrations
An adenoidectomy takes roughly 30 minutes to complete and is likewise done under general anesthesia. Your surgeon will use instruments that emit radiation or heat to precisely remove your adenoids. To halt the bleeding, they could use dissolvable stitches to close your wounds.
How do you prepare for a tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy?
Since both an adenoidectomy and a tonsillectomy are done under general anesthesia, you will need to abstain from food and liquids the day before the procedure. The precise amount of time you need to quit beforehand can be determined by your surgical team.
They might also advise you to quit taking blood-thinning drugs or supplements.
What parents and caregivers can expect
Following their procedure, your child will awaken in the hospital’s recovery area. While small children or those with sleep apnea may need to stay overnight for monitoring, some kids can return home the same day.
After the operation, your child may experience poor breath and throat discomfort for up to two weeks.
Are there risks from a tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy?
There is always a chance of complications with every surgery. The following are possible side effects from these surgeries:
- nausea and vomiting
- dehydration
- trouble swallowing
- weight loss
- anesthesia reaction
- swelling
- infection
- bleeding
Less than 1% of instances include severe bleeding that necessitates a second surgery.
What happens after a tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy?
It’s possible that you or your child can leave the hospital on the same day as the procedure, or that you’ll need to stay overnight. After the surgery, it is common to experience throat soreness.
An adenoidectomy typically takes one week to heal, so you should plan on your child missing school during this time.
After a tonsillectomy, healing usually takes longer. It might be necessary for you or your child to miss 10 to 14 days of work or school.
When to seek medical care after tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy
If your child is bleeding more than very little, it’s a good idea to call your doctor. You can try swishing ice water in your mouth to stop the bleeding while you wait for medical assistance.
It usually gets worse after four or five days. It is advisable to consult a physician if the condition does not improve after this period.
When to seek emergency care
If you or your kid experience significant bleeding following your treatment, you must get emergency medical attention.
Takeaway
There are two surgeries to remove lymph tissue from your throat: tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy. Children are the most common recipients of both operations.
If you have recurring tonsil irritation or obstructive sleep apnea, your doctor might advise a tonsillectomy. If your child has recurring sinus or ear infections or obstructive sleep apnea, they might suggest an adenoidectomy.