The tonsils are two oval-shaped organs located at the back of the throat. There is one tonsil on each side of the throat. The tonsils are part of the immune system and can be said to be the body's first line of defense against oral bacteria and viruses. The reduced function of the tonsils within the immune system after puberty is thought to be a factor that may be responsible for the rarity of tonsillitis in adults.
In the past, tonsillectomy was common practice in the treatment of recurrent tonsillitis. Today, in addition to this situation, tonsil structures that can cause respiratory disorders during sleep can also be surgically removed.
Why Is Tonsil Surgery Performed?
Tonsil surgeries are often performed in cases of recurrent, that is, chronic or severe, tonsillitis and in cases where breathing is difficult due to enlarged tonsils.
What are the risks of tonsil surgery?
Every surgical procedure has various risks. Tonsil surgery also has various risks. It is important for the patient to analyze the risks well before deciding on surgery. Medications to put the person to sleep during surgery often cause minor, short-term problems such as headaches, nausea, vomiting, or muscle aches. Situations where serious, long-term problems occur are rarer. Rarely, severe bleeding occurs during or after surgery and may require a longer hospital stay with additional treatment.
How Is Tonsil Surgery Performed?
Tonsil surgery is a very easy surgical intervention that does not require a long hospital stay in many cases. However, where complications do occur, the person may need to stay in the hospital for a long time if they have a complex medical complication.
Since tonsil surgery is usually performed under general anesthesia, the patient will not be aware of the procedure and will not feel pain during the procedure.
The surgeon may perform the surgery using a scalpel or a special surgical instrument that uses heat, high-energy heat, or sound waves to remove tissue and stop bleeding.
Home Care After Tonsil Surgery
Rarely, some problems may occur after tonsillectomy. These include a moderate sore throat for one to two weeks, a feeling that something is stuck in the throat, pain in the ears, neck, or jaw, and anxiety, especially in children.
It is possible to take various steps with the advice of a doctor to manage the pain caused by tonsil surgery and ensure a healthy recovery process. Painkillers should be taken as prescribed by the physician, at the right time, and in the appropriate dose.
It is important to drink plenty of fluids after surgery to prevent dehydration. Consuming water is the best option for this. Light foods that are easy to swallow, such as applesauce or broth, are the best options immediately after surgery. If the person can tolerate foods such as ice cream and custard, they can be added to the diet. It is important to choose foods that are easy to chew and swallow in the diet after tonsil surgery. Acidic and spicy foods that can cause pain or bleeding should be avoided.
Bed rest may be recommended for a few days after a tonsillectomy. When the individual returns to his or her normal diet, he or she should return to work or school, sleep normally during the night, and not need painkillers, according to the doctor's advice. The individual should talk to the doctor about activities to avoid.
