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Tonsillectomy: Frequently Asked Questions

What is a tonsillectomy?

A tonsillectomy is surgical procedure in which the tonsils are removed. Sometimes the adenoids are removed as well. Tonsillectomy is performed if a patient has chronic tonsillitis, has sleep apnea, has difficulty eating or swallowing and has multiple bouts of peritonsillar abscess. Tonsillectomies are usually performed on children but can be performed on adults as well.
The tonsils are areas of lymphoid tissue on either side of the throat. Tonsillectomy is the surgical procedure to remove the tonsils. It is one of the most common surgical procedures. Despite its frequency, complications may arise, mostly bleeding and pain after the surgery.
A tonsillectomy is the surgical removal of tonsils, most often due to chronic infection. It is one of the most common surgeries performed. Patients usually can go home the same day the procedure is performed.

When is a tonsillectomy needed?

Tonsillectomy may be required when a patient: Experiences frequent tonsillitis Has chronic tonsillitis, consisting of persistent throat pain Has multiple bouts of peritonsillar abscess, a complication of tonsillitis Has sleep apnea (obstructing or stopping breathing at night due to enlarged tonsils) Difficulty eating or swallowing due to enlarged tonsils

Why a Starion tonsillectomy?

Extensively used, published studies indicate that the Starion ENTceps provide an effective removal of the tonsils with: Reduced surgical times Lower pain after surgery Quicker recovery times Fewer complications after surgery We have provided numerous studies and patient testimonials to review. General Surgical Procedures

Does tonsillectomy got anything to do with hampering the immunity of the child?

No , tonsil and adenoids forms a minor fraction of the total lymphoid mass of human body therefore, removing tonsils and adenoids will not reduce the immunity. Tonsils and adenoids are lymphoid tissues located at the back of the mouth above and below the soft palate . This lymphoid tissue grows excessively during an acute infection, and it suddenly increases its immune activity to fight off the invaders. Often it does not completely return to its former size. ...

How many times do you have to get tonsillitis before considering a tonsillectomy?

It is not possible to give an exact number of infections needed before a tonsillectomy should be considered because each person is different. However, general guidelines suggest that individuals who have five or more throat infections in one year would probably benefit from a tonsillectomy.

Will a tonsillectomy eliminate sore throats?

Surgery will not eliminate throat infections, but will likely decrease the frequency of occurrence. http://www.childrensdmc.org/?id=198&sid;=1

How do you assess the danger of post-operative bleeding after tonsillectomy with the To-BiTE™?

The risk of post-operative bleeding cannot be totally eliminated, but the danger may be significantly less because bleeding vessels can be identified and the bleeding be stopped right away. When using the To-BiTE™ in combination with loup lenses or a microscope, coagulation of bleeding vessels is even more effective, thanks to a more detailed view of the surgeon's field of vision.

How does the post-operative pain after tonsillectomy with the To-BiTE™ compare to that of methods sealing bleeding vessels after the surgery?

With the To-BiTE™ post-operative pain tends to be less because vessels can be identified and sealed right away by coagulation, even before unsealed vessels retract into the muscle. When used in combination with loup lenses or a microscope the nervus glossus can often be identified and spared.

At what point would my child benefit from a tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy?

Surgical removal of the tonsils and adenoids in children is performed for two primary reasons: recurrent tonsil/adenoid infections and snoring with associated sleep apnea. Tonsil infections: As a general guideline, a tonsillectomy is recommended in patients with seven or more tonsil infections in one year, five infections a year for two years, or three infections for three or more years. Sleep apnea: Enlargement of tonsil and adenoid tissue in children can obstruct airways during sleep. ...
Source: www.pamf.org

If I have tonsillitis, will I need a tonsillectomy?

Tonsillectomy is a surgery used to remove tonsils. Most people who have tonsillitis don't need a tonsillectomy. You might need a tonsillectomy if you get severe tonsillitis a lot or if your tonsils are too large and cause problems with your breathing. Your doctor can tell you if a tonsillectomy is needed.

I have a question regarding tonsillectomy operation...why is it a relative contraindication not to perform the operation after recent attacks of acute tonsillitis & URTI??

tonsillectomy is preferably not performed in acute tonsillitis and URTI because of the fear of primary hge caused by the increased congestion due to the acute infection also operated in an infected field may lead to septicemia and spread of the infection through the blood stream if we are obliged to operate we usually give intensive intravenous antibiotics but you must know that tonsillectomy is an elective operation not an emergency (Prof Hassan Wahba) Q5 :Concerning "Tracheostomy" 1- Why do we preform tracheostomy for... ...
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