Tonsils are two small ovoid muscles located at the back of your throat. It stores the white blood cells which help us to fight infections. There are different methods of tonsillectomy present in the medical domain for the removal of tonsils. Tonsillitis is an infection that can give you a sore throat and make your tonsils swell. Frequent episodes of tonsillitis might be the reason for the person to undergo a tonsillectomy. A tonsillectomy can also be the solution to breathing problems like snorting or loos of breath.

Who needs a tonsillectomy?

Tonsillitis and the need for tonsillectomy are found to be more prevalent in children than in adults. However, anyone can opt for a tonsillectomy. There are various methods available for tonsillectomy methods in adults. One case of tonsillitis is not enough for a person going for a tonsillectomy. However, those who are regularly diagnosed with tonsillitis, are better advised to go for a tonsillectomy. Tonsillectomy can treat other medical problems also such as:

1. Breathing problems related to swollen tonsils.
2. Frequent and loud snoring.
3. The period in which you stop breathing during sleep.

Tonsillectomy Procedure

Methods to remove tonsils:

• One common method is called cold knife dissection. In this case, your surgeon removes the tonsils with a scalpel.
• Another method of tonsillectomy involves burning away the tissues through a process called cauterization.
• The improvement in the field of medical science has led to the implementation of various new techniques in tonsillectomy. Ultrasonic or radiofrequency waves are also made to fall on the tonsils in some tonsillectomy procedures. Tonsillectomy usually takes about half an hour. No matter what type of procedure you will be choosing, the doctor will keep you in the effect of anaesthesia. Thus in the entire process, you will be unaware of the change taking place.

Electrocautery tonsillectomy

• In this process, the tonsillar tissue is burnt and it helps in reducing blood loss through cauterization. Results have shown the electrocautery process leads to thermal injury in the surrounding tissues. This may result in a little discomfort during the postoperative period.

Radiofrequency ablation

• Monopolar or bipolar radiofrequency thermal ablation transfers radiofrequency energy to the tonsil tissue through the probes inserted in the tonsil. After the treatment is done scarring occurs in the tonsil, causing it to decrease in size within a period of weeks. These treatments can be performed several times. The advantage of this procedure is minimal discomfort, ease of operation and immediate return to work.

Microdebrider

• The microdebrider is a powered rotating shaving device with continuous suction often during sinus surgery. It is made up of a cannula or tube, connected to a handpiece, which in turn is connected to a motor with foot control and a suction device.

Risks during tonsillectomy

A tonsillectomy is a very common routine procedure however like any other surgery there are some very mild risks associated with it. These are:

1. Swelling
2. Infection
3. Bleeding
4. Reaction to anaesthesia

Tonsillectomy Recovery

• Patients can experience some pain as they recover from a tonsillectomy. You might have a sore throat after recovery. You might also, feel some sensation in the jaws, gums and cheeks.