TONSILLECTOMY

The tonsils are two small glands located in the back of the throat. They are an important part of the immune system, helping to fight off infection. However, they can also become infected themselves, causing a condition called tonsillitis. In some cases, tonsillitis can be severe and require treatment with antibiotics. In other cases, it may resolve on its own. If tonsillitis is recurrent or severe, your doctor may recommend a tonsillectomy, which is surgery to remove the tonsils. NJ ENT is your tonsil specialist in New Jersey, visit us to find out if we recommend a tonsillectomy for your specific case.

Tonsillitis

Tonsillitis is a common throat infection that causes inflammation of the tonsils, which are located at the back of your throat. It can be caused by either a bacterial or viral infection and symptoms include sore throat, difficulty swallowing, fever, swollen lymph nodes (glands), fatigue, and bad breath. Tonsillitis is usually treated with antibiotics if it’s bacterial in origin. In severe cases where tonsillitis does not respond to medication or occurs frequently, a tonsillectomy may be recommended.

Tonsillitis in Children

Tonsillitis in children is an incredibly common condition, and tonsillectomy is a safe and effective option for treating it. With the right preparation, tonsillectomy can reduce your child’s discomfort and help them get back to their normal activities faster. If you or your child is suffering from recurrent tonsillitis, talk to your doctor about tonsillectomy as a potential treatment option.

Procedure

A tonsillectomy is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of the tonsils from either side of your throat. During this procedure, an incision will be made in the mouth and special instruments will be used to separate the tonsils from surrounding tissue. The tonsils will then be removed and the incision will be closed with stitches or staples. This tonsillectomy procedure is typically done under general anesthesia and can take anywhere from 15 minutes to a few hours depending on the complexity of the surgery.

Tonsillectomy Recovery

The tonsillectomy recovery time can vary, but it is typically several weeks. Tonsillectomy patients can expect some pain and discomfort afterwards, which may last for several days. It is important to follow your doctor’s instructions for recovery and post-operative care. This includes avoiding strenuous activity, taking pain medications as needed, drinking plenty of fluids, using an ice pack (or similar cold compress) to reduce swelling, gargling salt water solutions several times a day, and eating soft foods.

Risks of Tonsillectomies

A tonsillectomy is a very common procedure, and most people recover quickly and without complications. However, as with any surgery, there are some risks involved. Your doctor at NJ ENT will explain the risks and benefits of tonsillectomy before recommending it as a treatment option for you. If you have any questions or concerns about having this procedure done, be sure to discuss them with your doctor so that you can make an informed decision.