Tonsillectomy (Adult)

About the Procedure

A Tonsillectomy is a procedure to remove the tonsils, two soft sac-like organs of the lymphatic system, in the back of the throat towards the left and right sides. They are part of the body's defense against inhaled or ingested foreign matter and microorganisms which pose a health threat. The tonsils are removed for a variety of reasons, such as frequent tonsillitis or strep throat, sleep apnea, airway obstruction, snoring, abscess, tonsil stones, and adenoiditis. Research results question the effectiveness of tonsillectomy when performed for non-obstructive reasons. Adults who have had a tonsillectomy experience considerable pain and a long recovery period.

The procedure is performed in a hospital with discharge the day of or day after the surgery. General anesthesia is used while the surgeon separates, cuts, and removes the tonsils from their cavity. The adenoids, composed of similar lymphatic tissue, located well back in the throat are often removed at the same time. Removing the tonsils and adenoids requires a simple cut and the site is usually closed by cauterization to prevent bleeding.

What to Know Before the Procedure

Complications during the procedure are rare; post-operative bleeding is the greatest concern. Tonsillectomies are sometimes unsuccessful in resolving sore throats or breathing obstructions for which the surgery was intended. The procedure can pose the risk of infection, excessive bleeding requiring a blood transfusion, injury to nearby organs/tissues, a long recovery time, and change in voice or hearing.

Preparation for this procedure is similar to other operations. A health assessment, blood work, a review of current medications, especially those which prevent blood clotting, and pre-operative instructions on food and water intake will be provided by the doctor. Advanced planning for a ride at discharge is often required by the surgical facility as post-operative pain can be significant and medications may cause drowsiness. It is strongly recommended to have assistance for the first few days because pain medications may give only limited relief. The patient is likely to have difficulty swallowing and eating, and they will be tired.

What to Know After the Procedure

Most patients are discharged from the surgical facility on the same day but some require an overnight stay due to pain or complications. Sore throat pain, especially when swallowing, is considerable for up to two weeks. Mucus may have some blood in it and some patients experience ear pain. Bad breath is a common side effect until the throat begins healing. The surgical sites will have a thick coating and/or white patches for three to four weeks. After one or two weeks the scabs will fall off and bleeding may occur.

Applying ice packs to the throat can give some relief from swelling. Eating soft foods and drinking clear fluids is suggested due to being less painful to swallow. Patients are advised to keep talking at a minimum for the first week and to avoid coughing and throat clearing. Foul breath may be decreased by drinking fluids and brushing the teeth. Consult a physician before using a mouth rinse.

Complete healing and a return to normal activities may take up to six weeks. The patient can return to work in one to two weeks, as comfort permits. Because talking may be too painful the first week, and whispering is advised during the second week, returning to work may not be an option for everyone.

If you Need to Travel Outside of your Local Hospital

Travelling long distances to have a tonsillectomy performed should be given considerable thought prior to making a decision due to significant pain and risk of bleeding. If the patient can remain in the location where the surgery took place and has the time necessary for the short-term recovery period, then travel is a more viable option; especially when coupled with the cost savings of having the procedure performed abroad. A consultation with the doctor regarding any health or travel restrictions is advised.