Tonsils

What are tonsils?

Tonsils are small glands in the throat, one on each side. They are there to fight germs when you are a young child. As you get older, the tonsils become less important in fighting germs and usually shrink.

Do you need them?

Your body can still fight germs without them. We only take them out if they are doing more harm than good.

Why take them out?

We will only take tonsils out if they cause recurrent sore throats despite treatment with antibiotics. They may be large and block the airway and need to be removed. A quinsy is an abscess that develops alongside the tonsil, as a result of tonsil infection, and is very painful. A tonsillectomy has to be done to prevent having another quinsy. Tonsils are also removed if we suspect there is a tumour in the tonsil, this is very rare. A rapid increase in the size of a tonsil or ulceration or bleeding occurs if a tumour of the tonsil develops.

Is tonsillectomy really necessary for me?

You will not always need to have your tonsils out. You may want to just wait and see if the problem settles with medicine. You may change your mind about the operation at any time, and signing a consent form does not mean that you have to have the operation. If you would like to have a second opinion about the treatment, you can ask your specialist. He or she will not mind arranging this for you. Your family doctor can send you to another ENT for an opinion.

Before your operation

Arrange for 1 week off work. Let us know if you have a chest infection or tonsillitis before your admission date because it may be better to postpone the operation. It is very important to tell us if you have any unusual bleeding or bruising problems, or if this type of problem might run in your family. You need to be on antibiotics and blood test and X rays etc have to be done.

How is the operation done?

You will be asleep under general anesthetic. We take the tonsils out through the mouth, and then stop the bleeding. This takes about 30 minutes.

How long will I be in hospital?

We prefer tonsillectomy patients to stay in hospital for one night. Your surgeon will only let you go home when you are eating and drinking and feel well enough.

After the operation

Tonsil surgery is very safe, but every operation has a small risk. The most serious problem is bleeding. This may need a second operation to stop it. As many as five adults out of every 100 who have their tonsils out may need to be taken back into hospital because of bleeding, but only one adult out of every 100 will need a second operation.

During the operation, there is a very small chance that we may chip or knock out a tooth, especially if it is loose, capped or crowned. Please let us know if you have any teeth like this.

Some patients notice a change in how food and drink tastes after the operation.

Your throat will be sore

Your throat will be sore for approximately 5 – 6 days. It is important to take painkillers and other medications prescribed. Do not take aspirin because it may make you bleed.

Eat normal food

Eating food will help your throat to heal. It will help the pain too. Drink plenty of fluids and stick to bland, non-spicy food. Chewing gum may also help the pain. Mouth washes are needed.

You may have pain in the ears

This is normal. It happens because your throat and ears have the same nerves. It does not mean that you have an ear infection.

Can I brush?

You should brush your teeth at least two times a day and use mouth washes as well

Some people get a throat infection after surgery, usually if they have not been eating properly. If this happens you may notice a fever and a bad smell from your throat. Call us at once

You will need about a week off work

Make sure you rest at home away from crowds and smoky places. Keep away from people with coughs and colds. You may feel tired for the first few days, but this is normal, and you should take rest.

Bleeding can be serious

If you notice any bleeding from your throat, you must call us at once.