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Tonsillectomy

Surgical removal of tonsils, indications, recovery, sleep apnea, recurrent tonsillitis

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Last updated:

This content has been compiled by the Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board and is periodically reviewed by a specialist physician.

References (5)

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our KBB (Kulak Burun Boğaz) department. Book Appointment →

What is Tonsillectomy?

The palatine tonsils are lymphoid tissue at the back of the throat that participate in immune surveillance during early childhood. After age 5, their immunologic role diminishes, and chronic inflammation or hypertrophy can cause significant morbidity that surgical removal effectively resolves.

Pediatric tonsillectomy indications follow Paradise criteria: 7 episodes in 1 year, 5 episodes annually for 2 years, or 3 episodes annually for 3 years. Sleep-disordered breathing with adenotonsillar hypertrophy is the most common adult indication. Each tonsillitis episode must be documented with sore throat plus fever, exudate, lymphadenopathy, or positive culture.

Surgical techniques include cold steel dissection, electrocautery, coblation, and intracapsular tonsillectomy. Postoperative pain peaks at days 4 to 7, often requiring opioid analgesia. Hemorrhage occurs in 2 to 5 percent of cases, primarily as delayed bleeding 5 to 10 days postoperatively. Adequate hydration and pain control accelerate recovery.

Symptoms

Recurrent severe tonsillitis episodes
Sleep apnea or loud snoring in children
Difficulty swallowing solid foods
Halitosis from chronic tonsillitis
Tonsillar asymmetry suggesting tumor

Risk Factors

Frequent group A streptococcal pharyngitis
Adenoid and tonsillar hypertrophy
Peritonsillar abscess history
Family history of obstructive sleep apnea
Allergic rhinitis and chronic mouth breathing

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • For 7 or more tonsillitis episodes annually
  • When sleep apnea is documented by polysomnography
  • For peritonsillar abscess
  • For unilateral tonsil enlargement
  • For postoperative bleeding or fever

Treatment Methods

01
Coblation or cold steel tonsillectomy
02
General anesthesia outpatient procedure
03
Multimodal pain control with paracetamol and ibuprofen
04
Avoid aspirin and NSAIDs initially per surgeon
05
Soft cool diet and adequate hydration
06
Activity restriction for 10-14 days

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our KBB (Kulak Burun Boğaz) department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

Learn About KBB (Kulak Burun Boğaz) Department

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Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.