A tonsillectomy is a surgical procedure performed to removed the tonsils, which are located at both sides of the back of the throat. The tonsils are a mass of tissue which function to help the body fight infection. The procedure is performed on patients suffering with chronic tonsillitis, enlarged tonsils, obstructed sleep apnea, and breathing problems. Tonsillitis commonly occurs in children as the tonsils can be prone to becoming infected. Once infected, the tonsils become inflamed and painful. Tonsils may be naturally large or may increase in size as a result of recurrent infections, which can cause problems with breathing and swallowing. The surgery involves removing the tonsils with a scalpel and closing the surrounding blood vessels with a diathermy.

The procedure is performed as an outpatient procedure, meaning patients will usually leave the hospital on the same day as the surgery. Recommended for Chronic tonsillitis Obstructed sleep apnea Cancer in the tonsils Time requirements Number of days in hospital 1 . Patients are usually discharged on the same day as the surgery. Average length of stay abroad 10 - 12 days. Bleeding can occur up to several post surgery and patients should refrain from flying during this time. Number of trips abroad needed 1. A tonsillectomy is performed in cases of chronic tonsillitis or obstructed sleep apnea. Time requirements Number of days in hospital 1 . Patients are usually discharged on the same day as the surgery. Average length of stay abroad 10 - 12 days. Bleeding can occur up to several post surgery and patients should refrain from flying during this time.

Number of trips abroad needed 1. Time requirements Number of days in hospital 1 . Patients are usually discharged on the same day as the surgery. Average length of stay abroad 10 - 12 days. Bleeding can occur up to several post surgery and patients should refrain from flying during this time. Number of trips abroad needed 1. A tonsillectomy is performed in cases of chronic tonsillitis or obstructed sleep apnea.,

Before the surgery, the doctor will meet with the patient to explain the surgical steps and to ensure that the patient is healthy enough to undergo surgery.

Patients are usually advised to refrain from eating and drinking in the hours preceding the surgery, in order to prepare for the general anesthetic.,

There are a number of different surgical techniques that are used to remove the tonsils. Once the patient has been administered with a general anesthetic, the mouth is then opened and held in place with a clamp, to give the surgeon full access to the tonsils. The most common type of surgery performed is to use a scalpel to remove the tonsils. A diathermy device is then used to close off surrounding blood vessels using heat, to prevent bleeding.

Another method of removal is to use laser technology to cut the tonsils out and to close off the blood vessels. Similarly to laser technology, ultrasound technology may also be used. This involves using ultrasonic blade, which vibrates at a high frequency. The blade is used to cut away the tonsils, while the energy it gives off seals the blood vessels to prevent bleeding. Anesthesia General anesthetic. The procedure involves removing the tonsils and closing off the blood vessels.,

Post procedure care Patients should maintain good oral hygiene after the surgery in order to help prevent infection. Minor bleeding up to 10 days after the surgery is to be expected, however, if there is excessive bleeding, patients should contact their doctor.

Possible discomfort Swallowing will be difficult in the days proceeding the surgery. Patients will experience pain and discomfort at the throat, neck, and jaw for up to one week after the surgery. Recovery can take 10-14 days.,