Tonsillectomy Surgery: What You Need to Know

Tonsillectomy surgery is a common procedure in which the tonsils are removed from the back of the throat. The tonsils are two small glands located on either side of the throat, and they play a role in fighting infection. When they become inflamed or infected, however they can cause a range of uncomfortable symptoms, including sore throat, difficulty swallowing, and ear pain. When this happens, tonsillectomy surgery is recommended. This surgery is typically performed on an outpatient basis, so you can return home the same day as the procedure. If you’d like to learn more about tonsillectomy and how it can benefit you, reach out to Elanic Medical in Glasgow and speak with a member of our team to set up your consultation today.

What Is Tonsillectomy Surgery?

Tonsillectomy surgery is a medical procedure that involves the removal of the tonsils, which are two small glands located at the back of the throat. This procedure is typically performed when a patient is experiencing chronic or recurrent tonsillitis, sleep-disordered breathing, or other complications associated with the tonsils.

There are two main types of tonsillectomy surgery: traditional tonsillectomy and coblation tonsillectomy. Traditional tonsillectomy involves using a scalpel or other surgical instruments to remove the tonsils, while coblation tonsillectomy uses radiofrequency energy to remove the tonsils. Here at Elanic Medical, we’re proud to be offering our patients a truly advanced form of independent healthcare. You can trust that we’ll be using the latest techniques and the most advanced technology available to bring you to a place of lasting wellness.

What Are the Benefits of Tonsillectomy Surgery?

A tonsillectomy is a common procedure recommended for individuals experiencing recurrent or chronic tonsillitis, sleep-disordered breathing, or other complications related to the tonsils. One of the primary benefits of tonsillectomy is the reduction in the frequency and severity of throat infections. By removing the tonsils, which are prone to infection and inflammation, the likelihood of recurrent tonsillitis significantly decreases. This can lead to fewer episodes of sore throat, fever, and discomfort, ultimately improving the overall quality of life for the patient.

Another significant benefit of tonsillectomy is the potential improvement in sleep-related breathing disorders. Enlarged tonsils can obstruct the airway during sleep, leading to snoring, sleep apnea, and disrupted sleep patterns. By removing the tonsils, airflow is improved, allowing for better breathing during sleep and reducing the risk of sleep-related breathing problems. This can result in improved sleep quality, increased daytime alertness, and a reduction in associated health issues such as daytime fatigue and cognitive impairment.

Do I Need Tonsillectomy Surgery?

Tonsillectomy surgery is a common procedure that involves the removal of the tonsils and is typically recommended when a patient experiences frequent or severe tonsillitis or other complications related to the tonsils. Here are some situations when a tonsillectomy in Glasgow may be necessary. If you have experienced any of these issues, we recommend reaching out to Elanic Medical in Glasgow and setting up your initial consultation as soon as possible.

Recurrent tonsillitis

If you are experiencing frequent episodes of tonsillitis (inflammation of the tonsils), you may be a candidate for tonsillectomy surgery. Typically, a patient must have at least seven episodes in one year, five episodes per year for two consecutive years, or three episodes per year for three consecutive years to be considered for tonsillectomy surgery.

Enlarged tonsils

If your tonsils are abnormally large and are causing difficulty breathing, swallowing, or sleeping, you may be a candidate for tonsillectomy surgery. Enlarged tonsils can also cause snoring, sleep apnea, and other respiratory problems.

Peritonsillar abscess

If you have developed a peritonsillar abscess (a collection of pus near the tonsils), you may require tonsillectomy surgery to prevent future abscesses from occurring.

Cancer

In rare cases, tonsillectomy surgery may be necessary to remove cancerous or pre-cancerous cells from the tonsils.

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Preparing for Tonsillectomy Surgery in Glasgow

Before undergoing tonsillectomy surgery, you’ll visit our Glasgow offices for a consultation that will include a thorough medical evaluation to ensure that you are healthy enough to undergo the procedure. This may include a physical examination, blood tests, and other diagnostic tests to check for any underlying health conditions that may increase the risk of complications during the surgery.

You’ll also need to fast for a certain period of time before the surgery, typically for at least eight hours, to ensure that your stomach is empty and reduce the risk of complications during the surgery. You’ll be given a clear set of instructions to help you prepare for your surgery, in addition to a thorough set of aftercare directions and a timeline that will help you understand what you can expect from your recovery period.

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Tonsillectomy Surgery Procedure

During your tonsillectomy in Glasgow, the surgeon will remove the tonsils through the mouth. The surgery typically takes between 30 minutes to an hour. Your procedure will begin with your surgeon using a special tool to hold your mouth open and keep your tongue out of the way. Your tonsils will then be removed using a scalpel, laser, or coblation device according to your treatment plan.

Once this is complete, your surgeon will use a suction device to remove any blood or debris from the area, before carefully closing the incision using dissolvable stitches or leave them to simply heal naturally. After this, you’ll spend a bit of time in our recovery area before returning home on the very same day (you will need a friend to drive you, however).

Recovering from Tonsillectomy Surgery in Glasgow

After your tonsillectomy surgery, you’ll remain in our comfortable recovery area for a few hours for observation. The length of your stay will vary according to your overall health and the details of your treatment plan.

You’ll need to avoid eating solid foods for a few days and your doctor may recommend a liquid or soft food diet. It’s also important to avoid acidic, spicy, or hot foods that may irritate your throat. Drinking plenty of fluids is important to prevent dehydration.

If you’d like to learn more about how tonsillectomy surgery can benefit you, or if you’re interested in exploring the various other treatment options we offer, our team is here to help. Reach out to Elanic in Glasgow and set up your consultation today.

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