Tonsil & Throat Procedures

General overview of a tonsillectomy:

Tonsils are twin masses of tissue at the base of the neck that sometimes become problematic and merit removal. In the past, and for small children, removal of tonsils was because of the recurring, chronic or sever infection of the twin masses (tonsillitis) that caused complications such as difficulty swallowing, fever, sore throat, etc. While this is still the major reason why tonsils are removed, today they may be removed for other factors such as complications of enlarged tonsils, bleeding of the tonsils, and other exotic and rare diseases of the tonsils. When other treatments do not bear fruit, tonsil removal may be the last course of action. This requires a tonsillectomy.

How the tonsillectomy is done:

Tonsil removal surgery or tonsillectomy is the surgical removal of the tonsils to alleviate the symptoms associated with the problematic tonsils. Tonsil removal is a straightforward procedure that rarely presents any complications. Although tonsil removal in children is more delicate, tonsil removal in adults also carries a small amount of risk, especially with regards to risks inherent to any typical invasive surgery. The procedure takes about an hour and may employ any of a number of different surgical techniques and technologies. Traditional tonsillectomies, however, involve the use of a cutting instrument and forceps to cut out the tonsils.

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What methods are used:

When you come in for a traditional tonsillectomy, you will go through the following process:

• The surgeon will discuss with you the particulars of the procedure including how it will be conducted, what risks it entails and what you may expect at the end of it. If the procedure is for a child, you will need to do additional counselling to reassure the child that all will be well.
• Once you decide to go through with the procedure you will be expected to sign a surgical consent form after which your procedure will be scheduled.
• On the day of the procedure you will be wheeled into the operating theater and put under general anesthesia.
• The surgeon will then commence the tonsillectomy and extract your tonsils. This will take around an hour.
• After the procedure you will be instructed on how to take care of your throat post operation (there’s ice cream involved) and the tonsil removal recovery period to expect (around two weeks).

Are there any side-effects:

Possible side effects and complications include:

• Bleeding either during or after the operation
• Infection and inflammation of the throat
• Ulceration and bruising of the skin around the tonsil area
• Sore throat for a few days after the operation
• Transient changes in your voice although this reverts after some time

Follow-up treatments or next steps:

After your tonsillectomy you will need to monitor the wound to ensure there’s no bleeding or infection. In case you do notice any bleeding or come down with a fever, notify the doctor immediately.

Contact our office

To find out more about our Traditional Tonsillectomy service, visit L.A. Sinus & Allergy Specialists offices located at 1701 E Cesar Chavez Ave Suite 560, Los Angeles, CA 90033-2225, or book an appointment by calling (323) 226-0022 today.