Table of Contents
What is Tonsillectomy and What Does It Do?
Tonsillectomy is the name given to the surgical removal of the tonsils. Tonsils are lymph tissues located at the back of the throat that help the body’s immune system. These organs produce cells that protect the body from infections and play an important role in the immune system. However, sometimes the tonsils themselves can become infected or get infected very often. In such cases, the tonsils may need to be removed. Tonsillectomy is a procedure performed if chronic tonsillitis or enlargement of the tonsils are causing health problems for the person. This surgery is especially performed because the tonsils are large enough to prevent recurring infections or cause problems. Removal of the tonsils serves as both a therapeutic and preventive procedure.
Why Is Tonsil Removal Necessary?
Situations where tonsils need to be removed are usually caused by frequently recurring infections and structural disorders in the tonsils. For example, chronic tonsillitis (tonsillitis) can cause persistent swelling of the tonsils, causing pain and difficulty swallowing. Tonsils can grow even larger during infections, which can lead to obstruction in the respiratory tract. In addition, tonsil abscesses (inflamed masses resulting from infection) can cause severe pain and obstruction. These also require surgery. In addition, in some cases, the tonsils are constantly busy recognizing harmful microbes in the body by the immune system, and this process can harm the body. Removing the tonsils helps treat infections in these cases and improve the patient’s general health.
In Which Age Groups Is Tonsillectomy Performed?
Tonsillectomy is usually performed more commonly in children because they are more susceptible to tonsil infections. However, this surgery can be performed in any age group. For children, tonsillectomy can usually be performed starting at the age of 3, but this age limit may vary depending on the surgeon’s evaluation. In children, frequent tonsillitis, snoring, difficulty swallowing, and sleep apnea may increase the need for tonsillectomy. In adults, tonsillectomy surgery may be required when tonsillitis and chronic infections are common. In adults, tonsil removal is less common, but surgery may be recommended if there is advanced infection, severe pain, or apnea.
In Which Diseases Is Tonsillectomy Applied?
Tonsillectomy is usually performed for conditions such as chronic tonsillitis and tonsil enlargement. If a person has tonsil infections (tonsillitis) that recur several times a year, surgery may be recommended. Severe tonsil infections can cause swelling of the tonsils, which can block the airway and affect the patient’s quality of sleep. Tonsils may also be removed for conditions such as sleep apnea, as large tonsils can block the airway and make breathing difficult. Tonsil abscesses (inflamed masses that form on the tonsils) and bleeding in the tonsils are also conditions that require surgical intervention. All of these conditions may require tonsil removal.
When is Surgery Necessary for Tonsillitis Treatment?
Tonsillitis usually manifests itself with tonsil swelling, pain, fever and discomfort in the throat as a result of infection. Antibiotics are usually used in the treatment of tonsillitis and recovery is often achieved with drug treatment. However, if tonsillitis recurs frequently or has become chronic, surgery may be required. In patients diagnosed with chronic tonsillitis, having tonsil infections several times a year can cause the tonsils to lose their functionality in the long term and cause constant discomfort. These conditions are a reason for the removal of the tonsils. In addition, problems such as severe pain, enlargement of the tonsils and obstruction of the airways may also require surgery. If the tonsils have reached a size that threatens the patient’s health, tonsillectomy surgery can be performed. Surgery is usually performed when conservative treatment methods fail.
How Does Tonsillectomy Help with Sleep Apnea and Respiratory Disorders?
Tonsillectomy can be an important treatment option for people with sleep apnea and other breathing disorders. Sleep apnea is a condition in which breathing stops during the night and is usually caused by blockages in the upper airway. Tonsils, especially when they are large, can cause these blockages. Enlarged tonsils, especially in children, can narrow the airway and make it difficult to breathe at night. This can lead to sleep apnea or snoring. Tonsillectomy can remove large tonsils and eliminate these blockages, helping to promote better sleep. Tonsillectomy can also treat other breathing problems, such as chronic difficulty swallowing caused by tonsils or recurring tonsil infections. Removing the tonsils helps to keep the airway more open, which allows for more efficient breathing and can relieve the symptoms of sleep apnea.
In Which Cases Does Tonsillectomy Become Mandatory?
Tonsillectomy is usually necessary due to recurring infections or health problems caused by the tonsils. If a person has tonsillitis three or more times a year and the condition is not treated, surgery may be recommended. In addition, if the infections in the tonsils do not improve despite antibiotic treatment, surgical intervention may be required. Tonsils may also enlarge and block the airway, which may necessitate surgery. Tonsil enlargement can lead to serious respiratory problems such as sleep apnea, in which case surgery may be unavoidable. In addition, conditions such as abscesses formed in the tonsils, bleeding or permanent voice changes may require surgical intervention. In general, tonsillectomy is recommended in cases where the tonsils are damaging the body and negatively affecting the quality of life.
How is Tonsillectomy Performed and How Long Does It Take?
Tonsillectomy is usually performed under general anesthesia and the patient is put to sleep. During the surgery, the surgeon reaches the tonsils from behind the ear or through the mouth and removes them completely. The tonsils are usually carefully cut and removed with scissors or a laser. The surgery usually takes between 30 minutes and 1 hour, but this time may vary depending on the patient’s condition and the surgeon’s method. During the surgery, the surgeon performs the intervention while carefully protecting the tissues around the tonsils. It is important for the patient to rest and pay attention to the healing process after the tonsils are removed. Post-operative recovery usually takes a few days and the patient is kept under observation in the hospital. Pain management is an important part of the recovery process and painkillers may be given depending on the patient’s condition. The patient can usually be discharged within a few days after the surgery.
What Should Be Done Before Tonsillectomy?
Before tonsillectomy, the patient’s health status should be assessed. First, a series of tests are performed before surgery. These include blood tests (especially to check for bleeding disorders), a vocal cord check (especially for patients with voice problems), and a physical examination. It is also checked whether the patient has any respiratory problems before surgery. It is important for patients to follow a healthy diet and drink enough water before surgery. Not smoking and limiting alcohol intake before surgery can speed up the healing process. Also, some patients may need to temporarily stop taking blood thinners before surgery, so it is very important for patients to inform the surgeon about any medications they are taking regularly.
How to regulate smoking, alcohol and drug use before surgery?
Smoking and alcohol use before tonsillectomy can negatively affect the healing process. Smoking can delay healing and increase the risk of infection. Therefore, patients are advised not to smoke for a few weeks before surgery. Similarly, alcohol can have a blood-thinning effect, so alcohol consumption should be avoided for at least 48 hours before surgery. Alcohol and smoking can interact with anesthesia and jeopardize the success of the operation. When it comes to medication use, patients should definitely inform the surgeon about the medications they are using. In particular, blood-thinning medications, aspirin, and ibuprofen should be temporarily stopped before surgery. The doctor will decide which medications will continue to be used and which ones should be stopped. These regulations are extremely important for the success of the surgery and the patient’s health.
Is Tonsillectomy Surgery Risky?
Tonsillectomy is generally a safe surgical procedure, but as with any surgical intervention, it carries some risks. These risks include bleeding, infection, and respiratory problems. Bleeding can be seen especially immediately after surgery. This is usually due to the cutting of blood vessels during surgery or weakening of blood vessels during the healing process. Infections can also develop in any wound area that occurs in the body after surgery. Respiratory problems, especially in children, can occur due to airway obstruction after removal of large tonsils. However, surgeries performed by an experienced surgeon reduce the likelihood of such complications. In addition, precautions taken before and after surgery minimize the risks. Considering all of this, tonsillectomy is generally a safe operation, but as with any surgical intervention, there are risks, and it is important to be aware of them.
How to Prevent Complications Such as Bleeding, Infection, and Respiratory Problems?
The most common complications after tonsillectomy surgery are bleeding, infection and respiratory problems. There are some basic points to consider to prevent these complications. First, to reduce the risk of bleeding, patients should rest in bed for a few days after surgery and avoid sudden movements. In addition, it is important for the surgeon to work carefully to minimize the risk of bleeding. In order to prevent infections, patients should follow hygiene rules during the recovery process. Post-operative pain may be a sign of infection, so if such symptoms occur, the doctor should be contacted immediately. In order to prevent respiratory problems, attention should be paid to airway obstruction, especially in children, depending on the size of the tonsils. In addition, care should be taken to protect against ear, nose and throat infections during the recovery process after surgery and immediate intervention should be made if any signs of infection are seen.
What Should Be Considered to Minimize Risks?
It is important to take some precautions to minimize the risks after tonsillectomy surgery. First, the general health status should be assessed before the surgery. For smokers, quitting smoking before surgery can speed up the healing process and reduce the risk of infection. Alcohol consumption can also increase the risk of bleeding, so alcohol should not be consumed for a few days before surgery. Pain management is also important to minimize the risks, as pain can negatively affect the healing process. Good hygiene also helps prevent infections. Rest is very important after surgery; patients should avoid excessive physical activity, which can reduce the risk of bleeding. In addition, careful nutrition will also help the healing process. Following the doctor’s advice after surgery is a critical step to prevent complications.
When Can I Eat After Surgery?
The period of eating after tonsillectomy is usually subject to a waiting period of several hours. After surgery, patients usually start with fluid intake for several hours. During this period, patients can consume fluids such as water and fruit juice. However, solid foods can usually be eaten after 24-48 hours. For the first few days, patients are advised to consume soft, easily chewable foods. Hot, spicy, hard or acidic foods should be avoided due to postoperative pain and sensitivity. In addition, cold foods and drinks can soothe the throat and aid in the healing process. Since each patient’s healing process may be different, the timing of eating should be determined in accordance with the doctor’s recommendations.
What to Eat and What Not to Eat After Tonsillectomy?
Nutrition plays a very important role in the healing process after tonsillectomy. During the first few days, the patient should eat soft foods and liquids. Soup, yogurt, pureed vegetables, dairy products and soft fruit purees are especially recommended. Cold foods such as cold drinks and ice cream can also soothe the throat and benefit the healing process. In addition, liquids such as water and fruit juices provide hydration to the body and help with healing. However, hot foods, spicy foods and hard foods should be avoided, as these can cause irritation and pain in the throat. In addition, acidic foods (e.g. pickles, citrus fruits) can also irritate the throat and negatively affect the healing process. Patients should also avoid caffeinated beverages, as these can dry out the throat. Post-operative nutrition should be carefully regulated to reduce pain and speed up the healing process.
Tonsillectomy Turkey Cost 2026
The location of the hospital, the techniques used, and additional services (e.g., hospital bed fees, anesthesia fees) can affect the price. In addition, the prices of surgeries performed in public hospitals and those performed in private hospitals may differ. Nevertheless, it is important for patients to get detailed information about the price from their doctors and discuss payment options before the surgery.