Tonsil removal for chronic tonsillitis: features of the operation and postoperative period
Tonsillectomy is performed for chronic tonsillitis, which is accompanied by frequent recurring sore throats. Frequent sore throats often lead to pyelonephritis, periarteritis nodosa, joint disease, prostatitis, and infective endocarditis. Due to the high risk of complications, specialists often recommend surgical treatment for chronic tonsillitis. In many cases, tonsillectomy in adults is the most effective way to relieve the patient of recurrent sore throats, which significantly weaken the body's defenses and reduce the patient's quality of life.
Innovative technologies
Innovative technologies available to the specialists at Consultant ENT West Yorkshire allow for highly effective, minimally invasive surgical procedures on the pharyngeal tonsils. We guarantee our patients high-quality services from experienced doctors with many years of ENT practice. Our Clinic is equipped with state-of-the-art equipment, enabling us to provide high-quality diagnostics and monitor the effectiveness of both conservative and surgical treatments for chronic tonsillitis and other conditions within the otolaryngology specialty.
Diagnosis of Chronic Tonsillitis
If tonsillitis frequently recurs, a consultation with an ENT specialist is necessary. The sooner you schedule an appointment, the faster the specialist will provide qualified care. The doctor makes a diagnosis based on your medical history, examination, and the results of tests. The primary diagnostic method for chronic tonsillitis is pharyngoscopy. During the examination, the otolaryngologist identifies characteristic signs of the disease: mucosal swelling, adhesions between the palatine arches and the tonsils, adhesions, tissue friability, pus accumulation in the lacunae, and enlarged lymph nodes.
The toxic-allergic form of chronic tonsillitis
The toxic-allergic form of chronic tonsillitis is the most severe. Relapses occur several times a year and can be accompanied by infectious and inflammatory processes in internal organs and adjacent tissues, including abscess formation. The patient experiences severe weakness, a high body temperature, and a sore throat that causes significant discomfort and reduces quality of life. The simple form of chronic tonsillitis has more limited symptoms: a sore throat that worsens with swallowing and chewing, weakness, and decreased performance.
A common mistake in patients with chronic tonsillitis
A common mistake patients with chronic tonsillitis make is the uncontrolled use of medications, including antibiotics. Antibacterial drugs only slow the spread of infection, but over time, pathogens adapt to even the most powerful medications, losing their therapeutic effect. As long as the tonsil infection is located in the oropharynx, antibiotics will only provide temporary relief but will not solve the problem.
Treatment of Chronic Tonsillitis: Why surgery?
Treatment for chronic tonsillitis is determined based on numerous diagnostic and examination data. Specialists weigh the pros and cons, assess the risk of complications, and make professional prognoses for the future. In most cases, tonsillectomy is performed when the toxic-allergic form of chronic tonsillitis develops, which, unlike the simple form of the disease, occurs with pronounced symptoms of intoxication, suppression of the immune system, and a high risk of developing infectious complications.
Radical tonsillectomy for chronic tonsillitis
Radical tonsillectomy for chronic tonsillitis is absolutely justified: when conservative treatment for tonsillitis is ineffective, only surgery can eliminate the source of chronic infection in the throat and prevent the spread of infection. Experts identify over 100 associated conditions that occur with long-term tonsillitis: psoriasis, nephritis, eczema, prostatitis, scleroderma, lupus erythematosus, rheumatism, and other pathologies. Don't delay surgery if your specialist insists on it. The tonsils lose their essential protective functions and become a dangerous source of infection. There are certain indications for surgical treatment of chronic tonsillitis, based on which the doctor makes a decision on the need for surgery.
Main indications for tonsillar removal in chronic tonsillitis
These are the indications of chronic tonsillitis
joint pain;
pathological changes on ECG;
development of serious complications that affect the heart, blood vessels, joints, and internal organs: endocarditis, pericarditis, glomerulonephritis, pyelonephritis, vasculitis, rheumatism, arthritis;
chronic intoxication, high risk of sepsis;
development of peritonsillar abscess;
heart rhythm disturbances, heart pain.
The main goals of surgical treatment
The main goals of surgical treatment are to remove the source of chronic infection, relieve the symptoms of tonsillitis, prevent the development of infectious complications, and stop the detoxification of the body. With a highly qualified surgeon, tonsillectomy can accomplish all these goals and relieve the patient of constant discomfort. Tonsil removal surgery should only be performed in a medical facility with all the necessary technical equipment. Our clinic employs qualified, well-trained, and experienced specialists with years of practical experience, enabling them to effectively treat chronic tonsillitis.
Contradictions of Tonsillectomy
Tonsillectomy has not only indications but also contraindications. These are always taken into account when choosing a treatment plan. Specialists identify absolute and relative contraindications to tonsillectomy.
Absolute contraindications include:
severe heart failure;
severe kidney dysfunction;
endocrine pathologies, in particular, a decompensated type of diabetes mellitus;
blood clotting disorders that may be complicated by bleeding or thrombosis;
oncological diseases;
active form of tuberculosis.
exacerbation of any infectious and inflammatory processes;
menstruation in women;
pregnancy;
increase in body temperature.
Relative contraindications to tonsillectomy:
Conclusion
Five days before surgery, specialists prescribe medications to reduce the risk of bleeding for patients undergoing tonsillectomy. Eating and drinking are prohibited on the day of surgery. You should carefully follow your doctor's instructions. This will minimize the risk of complications both during surgery and in the postoperative period. If, during a comprehensive examination, specialized specialists identify a somatic pathology, the surgery may need to be postponed. The doctor will prescribe appropriate medication, and based on the results, a decision will be made on whether a tonsillectomy is feasible. It is always recommended to consult the Best ENT surgeon to ensure the procedure is safe, effective, and tailored to your individual health needs.
