The Tonsillectomy
A tonsillectomy is a surgical procedure that removes the tonsils, which are glands in the back of the throat. Tonsils are necessary glands, and according to The Nemour's Foundation, they trap viruses and bacteria that enter the body by way of the mouth and throat, and produce antibodies to fight infections. Occasionally, tonsils will be too large and get infected and swollen. When this happens chronically, the doctor may recommend a tonsillectomy.
The Tonsillectomy Procedure
A tonsillectomy is usually performed as an out-patient procedure, which means the patient will enter the hospital, have the surgery and return home the same day. There may be times the doctor requests the patient spend the night for observation.
During the procedure, the patient is under general anesthesia, which means they are put to sleep. Once asleep, the doctor will insert an instrument into the mouth that holds it open. The Mayo Clinic explains that what the surgeon does next is remove the tonsils from the back of the throat by either burning or cutting them out. Using an instrument to hold the mouth open, the doctor will use a special scalpel or burning tool to cut the tonsils from the back of the throat. According to the national Institute of Health, once the tonsils are removed, the surgeon makes sure that the bleeding stops and the patient is then sent to recovery. No stitches are involved.
Recovery
Once the patient is awake and out of recovery, he can be sent home. It can take 7 to 10 days for the throat to heal because the throat muscles are exposed from the removal of the tonsils, according to The Nemour's Foundation. During this time, the food eaten should be cold and soft, with little spice to irritate the tissues. The Mayo Clinic suggests Jello, ice cream, pudding and cold soups be consumed by the patient. Harder foods, such as chips and pizza crust, should be avoided. Children should be kept home from school, made to rest and get plenty of fluids.
