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Monday, July 28, 2008
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TONSILLECTOMY(1)
The tonsils sit on either side at the back of the mouth. They are composed of lymphoid tissue which is part of the immune system. Infection of the tonsils is called tonsillitis and gives rise to severe sore throat, fever and often time off school or work. Frequent tonsillitis and large tonsils causing airway obstruction can be an indication for tonsillectomy. If the tonsils are removed the immune system and overall resistance to infection are not affected.
The Operation
The patient is admitted on the morning of surgery and seen by both surgeon and anaesthetist. The procedure is performed under a general anaesthetic and takes about 20 minutes. The tonsils are dissected from the back of the throat and electrocautery stops any bleeding. Following this the patient returns to the ward and stays overnight to be reviewed the next day. If a light breakfast is eaten and there is no fever the patient is allowed home to be reviewed in 1 month.
During the stay in hospital there is a small risk of bleeding which occasionally requires a return to theatre.
Postoperative recovery
Pain
Tonsillectomy is a painful procedure and regular pain killers are required for 7-10 days. A combination of Paracetomol, Codeine and Voltarol will be prescribed prior to discharge with instructions for use. Sometimes soreness improves immediately after the operation and then is severe at 1 week. Sore throat may be associated with ear pain.
Activity
2 weeks off work or school are required to recover. During this period it is wise to avoid contact with groups of people as a “cold” during the recovery period can make things more uncomfortable.
take fluids or eat) and ANY bleeding should be reported to a doctor. If you are ill admission to the Royal Berkshire Hospital under my care may be necessary.
The Operation
The patient is admitted on the morning of surgery and seen by both surgeon and anaesthetist. The procedure is performed under a general anaesthetic and takes about 20 minutes. The tonsils are dissected from the back of the throat and electrocautery stops any bleeding. Following this the patient returns to the ward and stays overnight to be reviewed the next day. If a light breakfast is eaten and there is no fever the patient is allowed home to be reviewed in 1 month.
During the stay in hospital there is a small risk of bleeding which occasionally requires a return to theatre.
Postoperative recovery
Pain
Tonsillectomy is a painful procedure and regular pain killers are required for 7-10 days. A combination of Paracetomol, Codeine and Voltarol will be prescribed prior to discharge with instructions for use. Sometimes soreness improves immediately after the operation and then is severe at 1 week. Sore throat may be associated with ear pain.
Activity
2 weeks off work or school are required to recover. During this period it is wise to avoid contact with groups of people as a “cold” during the recovery period can make things more uncomfortable.
take fluids or eat) and ANY bleeding should be reported to a doctor. If you are ill admission to the Royal Berkshire Hospital under my care may be necessary.
