The Mouth, Tonsils, and Adenoids Condition (Tonsillectomy)

What is Tonsillectomy?

Tonsillectomy is one of the most commonly performed operations. Patients usually stay in the hospital for one night, so that bleeding may be recognized and treated appropriately. Tonsils are removed by dissection under general anaesthetic. Haemostasis is achieved with diathermy or ties.

What is going to happen after your surgery? (Post op)

Tonsillectomy is very painful and regular simple analgesia is always required afterwards. Patients should be advised that referred pain to the ear is common. Until the tonsillar fossae are completely healed, eating is very uncomfortable. The traditional jelly and ice cream has now been replaced with crisps, biscuits, and toast, since chewing and swallowing after tonsillectomy is very important for recovery and in helping to prevent infection.
In the immediate postoperative period the tonsillar fossae become coated with a white exudate, which can be mistaken as a sign of infection.

Complications

Postoperative haemorrhage is a serious complication for between 5-15% of patients after a tonsillectomy.

A reactive haemorrhage can occur in the first few hours after the operation, this will frequently necessitate a return trip to the operating theatre (OT).

A secondary haemorrhage can occur any time within two weeks of the operation. It occur less than 10% of cases and may result from an infection of the tonsillar fossa.