Tonsillectomy - removal of the tonsils
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Indications for surgery
Tonsillectomy is performed only for serious indications, when conservative treatment is ineffective or complications arise.
Main indications for surgery:
- Chronic tonsillitis with frequent exacerbations (4-6 times a year)
- Toxic-allergic form of chronic tonsillitis, in which inflammation causes complications to the heart, kidneys, or joints
- Purulent abscesses
- Significantly enlarged tonsils, interfering with breathing or swallowing
The decision on the advisability of surgery is made by a doctor after consultation and a complete examination.
The meaning of tonsillectomy surgery
Tonsils (tonsils) are important organs of the immune system. They consist of lymphatic tissue and are richly penetrated with blood and lymphatic vessels. The protective functions of the tonsils are to be the first to stand in the way of infectious agents entering the nasopharynx through the nose and mouth. Viruses, bacteria, fungi settle on their surface, where they are neutralized with the help of immune cells - lymphocytes.
The pharyngeal ring of seven tonsils, including the palatine tonsils, is in constant contact with pathogens. Inflammatory processes often occur in the tonsils, which we know as tonsillitis, or tonsillitis. Suppressed immunity and pathological proliferation of lymphoid tissue lead to narrowing of the entrance to the pharynx, pain and other problems.
When conservative treatment does not bring positive results, the tonsils can be removed surgically. Unilateral or bilateral tonsillectomy eliminates the source of chronic infection in the body, which, without treatment, is often the source of serious infectious and inflammatory diseases of other organs.
Tonsillotomy, tonsillectomy and adenotomy - what is the difference?
These are three completely different surgical procedures, so they should not be confused.
Tonsillotomy and tonsillectomy operations have the following differences:
- Tonsillotomy is a partial resection of lymphoid tissue, which is aimed at removing the pathologically changed area, but preserving the tonsil
- Bilateral or unilateral tonsillectomy consists of complete removal of the tonsil and capsule from two or one side, respectively
Tonsillectomy and adenotomy differ in the organ on which the intervention is performed. Adenotomy is the removal of adenoids located in the nasopharyngeal space. Often, the removal of tonsils and adenoids is performed simultaneously, during one procedure.
General information about the procedure
Indications for surgical intervention
Before prescribing an operation, the doctor examines the patient, assessing the indications and contraindications for it. Removal of the tonsils is often necessary in the toxic-allergic form of chronic tonsillitis, when there are signs of general intoxication, immunosuppression, and the development of complications against the background of chronic tonsillitis:
- Pain in the heart
- Heart rhythm disturbances
- Swallowing and speech problems
- Apnea (stopping breathing during sleep)
- Subfebrile body temperature over a long period of time
- Pain and swelling of the joints
- ECG abnormalities
- Infectious pathologies of the heart, blood vessels, kidneys, joints
- Rheumatic disease
- Sepsis or high risk of blood poisoning
- Paratonsillar abscess
- Signs of general intoxication: weakness, fatigue, headaches and joint pain
- Frequently recurrent tonsillitis (7 times in one year or 5 times annually for two years or 3 times a year for three years)
Surgery is necessary not only to stop tonsillitis, but also to relieve frequent complications that are dangerous to health and life. The type of surgery will be chosen depending on the extent of the operation. This can be endoscopic tonsillectomy, surgery with adenotomy, partial resection, classic tonsillectomy, etc.
Methods of tonsil removal
Today, tonsillectomy is performed using safe, minimally invasive methods: laser, radiofrequency, coblator, or cold plasma. Advanced technologies reduce blood loss, alleviate pain, and speed recovery.
Laser tonsillectomy
Laser tonsillectomy is performed under local anesthesia using a special laser scalpel. The procedure takes only 20-40 minutes.
Advantages of the technique:
- Highly precise treatment
- Bloodless due to laser coagulation of blood vessels
- Minimal damage to surrounding tissues
- Low risk of infection
- Short recovery period
Complete healing after tonsillectomy occurs in 7-10 days. Restrictions during the recovery period are minimal. The cost of tonsil removal can be found during a personal consultation with a doctor.
Radiowave tonsillectomy
Radiowave tonsillectomy is a contactless removal of the tonsils with simultaneous vascular coagulation.
Advantages of the technique:
- Minimal trauma
- No bleeding
- Rapid healing in 5-7 days
- Low risk of complications
Radiowave tonsillectomy takes 30-40 minutes, and recovery is comfortable with moderate pain for the first 3 days.
Cold plasma tonsillectomy
Cold plasma tonsillectomy uses a plasma beam at 45-60°C, which vaporizes tonsil tissue layer by layer without causing a thermal burn.
Advantages of the technique:
- Maximum precision
- Complete absence of bleeding
- Minimal postoperative pain
- Quick recovery within a week
- Affordable price
Coblation tonsillectomy
Coblation tonsillectomy is a minimally invasive procedure that involves removing the tonsils using cold plasma.
Advantages of this technique:
- Gentle on surrounding tissues
- Minimal postoperative pain
- Shortened recovery period (3-5 days)
- Low risk of postoperative complications
Tonsil removal using coblation tonsillectomy is suitable for patients who value comfort and a quick recovery.
Anesthesia
The surgery can be performed under general anesthesia (inhalation or intravenous) or local anesthesia.
The choice of method depends on the patient's age, the extent of the procedure, and the surgical technique. The final decision is made by the anesthesiologist.
General Anesthesia (Anesthesia)
General anesthesia is used primarily for long surgeries and for complete tonsillectomy.
After anesthesia, the patient is placed into a deep, drug-induced sleep, allowing the surgeon to work precisely and unhurriedly.
How the operation is performed
Tonsil removal surgery is performed in several stages:
- After anesthesia, the patient is placed on the operating table, and the oral cavity is stabilized with a special mouth gag.
- The specialist prepares the equipment and sterile instruments.
- The surgeon removes the tonsils using the chosen method. Using modern minimally invasive techniques, the procedure is performed quickly and with minimal trauma.
- The tonsil bed is treated with an antiseptic.
After the surgery, the patient is transferred to a ward for observation until the anesthesia wears off.
Recovery after surgery
The recovery period depends on the tonsillectomy method. Patients require a 2-5 hour hospital stay after general anesthesia. Minimally invasive surgeries using local anesthesia allow patients to leave the hospital almost immediately.
Full recovery takes up to 2 weeks. According to patient reviews, modern methods allow patients to return to work in as little as 4-7 days.
Recommendations for a quick recovery
Recommendations for a quick recovery:
- Gentle diet: For the first 3 days, it is recommended to eat cool liquid foods (broths, yogurts); after that, purees, porridges, and other soft foods can be introduced. Avoid spicy, hot foods, and carbonated drinks for two weeks.
- Throat care: gently gargle with antiseptic 3-5 times a day, take medications prescribed by your doctor (only if indicated).
- Follow-up examinations and consultations with an ENT specialist on days 3, 7, and 14.
- Avoid physical activity for two weeks.
Complications
Possible complications after tonsillectomy:
- Bleeding: Occurs in only 1-3% of cases
- Infections due to improper tonsil bed care
- Pain: Usually lasts up to 10 days
- Temporary voice change due to swelling
If any alarming symptoms occur, consult a doctor immediately.
According to patient reviews, with proper preparation for surgery and following the doctor's recommendations, serious complications are rare.
Advantages of treatment of chronic tonsillitis at the K+31 clinic
In the K+31 clinic, the choice of surgical technique is made by the therapist and otolaryngologist, taking into account the patient’s opinion.
Our advantages:
- High-precision diagnostic equipment and our own laboratory allow us to perform the full scope of the necessary examination and accurately make a diagnosis
- The use of high-quality anesthesia and therapy reduces the likelihood of complications
- Modern surgical techniques and expert-class equipment ensure rapid rehabilitation of patients
- Operations are performed by surgeons with many years of experience and high qualifications
- The healing environment of the inpatient department is conducive to rapid recovery and improved well-being
You can make an appointment with a doctor or consult on questions of interest by phone, via messenger or through your personal account on the official K+31 website.
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Answers to popular questions
Where to get a tonsillectomy in Moscow?
How much does a tonsillectomy cost in the capital?
The cost of tonsillectomy is influenced by the list of medications and auxiliary products used, and the level of technology of the operation. The final price of tonsillectomy in Moscow depends on the type of intervention and the diagnostic and treatment program prescribed to the patient.
You can find the full price list of medical services on the official website of the K+31 clinic. When performing tonsillectomy for a fee, you can count on reasonable prices. Doctors make only the most necessary appointments to avoid unnecessary treatment costs. The final price of tonsillectomy surgery will be calculated before the intervention and agreed upon with the patient.
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What are tonsils?
The tonsils are paired organs of the immune system located in the pharynx. They are composed of lymphoid tissue and are part of the Pirogov-Waldeyer lymphoid ring, which protects the body from infections.
The main types of tonsils are: palatine (visible during a throat examination), tubal, pharyngeal (adenoids), and lingual.
Functions of the tonsils:
The tonsils become inflamed when the immune system is unable to cope with an attack by viruses or bacteria. When exposed to cold, stress, or other illnesses, the immune system weakens, allowing pathogens to actively multiply in the lymphoid tissue. Frequent inflammation leads to chronic tonsillitis.