Tonsillectomy and Adenoidectomy are the removals of inflamed tonsils and adenoids. Both tonsils and adenoids are thought to help fight infections and if inflamed, can cause swallowing and breathing difficulties.
What is it?
The tonsils and the adenoids are tissues in the nose and mouth. When infected they can cause many difficulties. When tonsils are infected the patient will typically have a sore throat and bad breath. When the adenoids are infected they can make breathing difficult. Tonsillectomies and adenoidectomies are procedures that aim to remove the infected tissue relieving the symptoms the patient is experiencing.
What should I do to prepare?
Individuals should not consume food within twenty-four hours before the procedure and may need to avoid certain dietary supplements and medications. Individuals should also avoid aspirin two weeks before the procedure.
What happens during the process?
During the procedure, the patient will be given anesthesia. After the anesthesia starts working, the surgeon will go in and remove the tonsils from the mouth. There are typically no external cuts required unless complications arise. After the tonsils or adenoids are removed, the surgeon will burn the base of the tonsil or adenoids. Once the procedure is complete, the patient will go to the recovery room.
What are the risks and potential complications?
Some of the associated risks and complications include, but are not limited to unsuccessful results, reaction to anesthesia, bleeding, infection, and permanent change in voice.
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Image Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Tonsils#/media/File:Blausen_0861_Tonsils%26Throat_Anatomy2.png