TONSIL & ADENOID REMOVAL

General Information

DEFINITION-Removal of the tonsils and adenoids.

BODY PARTS INVOLVED-Tonsils; adenoids; opening from the nose into the throat; back of the throat.

REASONS FOR SURGERY

In tonsils:

• More than 5 attacks of tonsillitis in 1 year.
• Peritonsillar abscess (See Glossary). In adenoids:
• Obstruction of air through the nose.
• Infections in the middle ear.

SURGICAL RISK INCREASES WITH

• Obesity; smoking.
• Poor nutrition.
• Recent or chronic illness.
• Use of drugs such as: antihypertensives; muscle relaxants; tranquilizers; sleep inducers; insulin; sedatives; beta-adrenergic blockers; or cortisone.
• Use of mind-altering drugs, including: narcotics; psychedelics; hallucinogens; marijuana; sedatives; hypnotics; or cocaine.

What To Expect

WHO OPERATES-Ear, nose and throat specialist or general surgeon.

WHERE PERFORMED-Hospital or outpatient surgical facility.

DIAGNOSTIC TESTS

• Before surgery: Blood and urine studies.
• After surgery: Laboratory examination of removed tissue; blood studies.

ANESTHESIA-General anesthesia by injection and inhalation with an airway tube placed in the windpipe.

DESCRIPTION OF OPERATION

• Several techniques are available; one is described here.
• The mouth is held open to expose the tonsils.
• The tonsils are grasped with clamps and pulled toward the middle of the mouth. The tonsils are cut free of surrounding membrane and removed.
• Bleeding is controlled by pressure, sutures or clamps and ties or with use of electrocautery (See Glossary).
• The adenoids are located and removed with a special instrument.

POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS

• Excessive bleeding.
• Adenoid-tissue regrowth.
• Nausea and dehydration.

AVERAGE HOSPITAL STAY-0 to 2 days.

PROBABLE OUTCOME-Expect complete healing without complications. You will experience moderate nasal congestion and drainage, a sore throat and earaches for a few days after surgery. Allow about 3 weeks for recovery from surgery. During this time,

avoid becoming hot, tired or excited.

Postoperative Care

GENERAL MEASURES

• Bathe and shower as usual.
• Apply ice packs to relieve pain.
• Try not to talk, swallow, cough, clear the throat, cry or sing for 1 week after surgery.

† You may use non--prescription drugs, such as acetaminophen, to relieve minor pain.

ACTIVITY

• Rest in bed for 2 to 3 days, then resume normal activities slowly to promote healing.
• Avoid vigorous exercise for 6 weeks after surgery.

DIET-Avoid spicy and hard-to--digest foods. Eat soft foods, such as gelatin and custard, for 3 to 4 days after surgery. Gradually return to a normal diet.

Call Your Doctor If

Any of the following occur:

• Nausea or vomiting.
• Coughing, spitting or vomiting blood.
• Increased pain, swelling, redness, drainage or bleeding in the surgical area.
• Signs of infection: headache, muscle aches, dizziness or a general ill feeling and fever.
• New, unexplained symptoms. Drugs used in treatment may produce side effects.