Tonsillectomy

What is Tonsillectomy?

Tonsillectomy is a surgical procedure performed to remove the tonsils. These are two oval-shaped glands located at the back of the throat. The tonsils are part of the body's immune system and help fight infections. However, when the tonsils become chronically infected or enlarged, they can cause a range of symptoms and health issues. In these cases, a tonsillectomy may be recommended to alleviate symptoms and improve overall health.

Who Needs a Tonsillectomy?

A tonsillectomy may be recommended for both children and adults who experience the following:

1. Recurrent Tonsillitis: Many individuals experience frequent episodes of tonsillitis (inflamed or infected tonsils) that do not clear off with antibiotics. In such cases, a tonsillectomy is necessary to prevent further infections.
2. Obstructive Sleep Apnea: Enlarged tonsils can obstruct the airway during sleep. As a result, symptoms like snoring, pauses in breathing, and disrupted sleep can appear. A tonsillectomy can help alleviate these symptoms and improve sleep quality.
3. Difficulty Swallowing or Breathing: Enlarged tonsils can cause difficulty swallowing or breathing, especially in children. Hence, the best course of action is to remove the tonsils and resolve these issues.
4. Peritonsillar Abscess: A bacterial infection that causes a pus-filled pocket to form near the tonsils. If the abscess recurs or does not respond to drainage and antibiotics, a tonsillectomy will be recommended.
5. Tonsil Stones: Hardened deposits of bacteria, debris, and dead cells that form in the crevices of the tonsils are called tonsil stones. These stones are not always a reason for tonsillectomy, but chronic tonsil stones can be alleviated by removing the tonsils.

Types of Tonsillectomy

There are several techniques used to perform a tonsillectomy, depending on the surgeon's preference and the patient's specific needs. The most common types of tonsillectomy are:

1. Cold Knife (steel) Tonsillectomy: This is the traditional method in which the surgeon uses a scalpel to cut out the tonsils. This technique may result in more post-operative pain and a longer recovery time.
2. Electrocautery Tonsillectomy: This is a common technique that uses a heated instrument to cut and cauterize the tissue, reducing bleeding simultaneously.
3. Radiofrequency Ablation is one of the minimally invasive techniques that uses radiofrequency energy to shrink and remove the tonsils. This results in in less pain and faster recovery.
4. Laser Tonsillectomy: A precise technique that uses a laser to remove the tonsils, minimizing damage to surrounding tissue and reducing post-operative pain.

Procedure Details

Tonsillectomy is typically an outpatient procedure performed under general anesthesia, allowing the patient to sleep through the surgery. The procedure usually takes about 30 minutes to an hour. The main steps of a tonsillectomy are as follows:

1. Anesthesia: The patient is first given general anesthesia so that they do not feel much pain and stay immobilized during the procedure.
2. Tonsil Removal: The surgeon removes the tonsils using one of the techniques mentioned above. They always prioritize the minimum damage to surrounding tissue during the procedure. 
3. Hemostasis: The surgeon controls any bleeding using cauterization or sutures.
4. Recovery: The patient is very closely monitored until the anesthesia wears off. Most patients can go home the same day with instructions for pain management, diet, and activity restrictions.

Cost

The cost of tonsillectomy surgery varies depending on factors such as the surgical technique, the type of anesthesia, and the hospital where the procedure is performed. 

In India, the average cost of a tonsillectomy ranges from INR 40,000 to INR 80,000. However, this range is just a general estimate, and the actual cost could be lower or higher considering all the possibilities and the factors mentioned above. 

If chronic tonsil problems are impacting your health and quality of life, tonsillectomy may be the solution you have been looking for. With its proven track record of relieving symptoms and preventing future complications, tonsillectomy can help the patient breathe easier, sleep better, and enjoy a healthier, more comfortable life. Talk to an experienced ENT surgeon at Apollo Spectra today to learn more about tonsillectomy and how it can help you take the first step toward a trouble-free future.