A tonsillectomy is one of the most common procedures performed by an ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat) doctor. It is aimed at alleviating the pain and discomfort caused by conditions such as tonsillitis. By removing the tonsils, there is no longer a breeding ground for pus pockets and tonsil stones, reducing the risk of infection. While tonsil surgery is typically considered a last resort for treating tonsillitis, it becomes necessary when inflamed tonsils pose persistent problems or contribute to conditions like quinsy and sleep apnea. Tonsil surgery can offer relief and improve overall well-being in such cases.

Conditions requiring tonsil surgery

• Tonsil surgery is more common in children than it is adults, but when it is performed it’s because of a huge variety of conditions. Some of those include:
• Recurrent tonsillitis: Tonsillitis in adults include symptoms such as spots on the tonsils, swollen glands and difficulty swallowing.
• Normally, tonsillitis passes, but when it happens over and over again it can be very hard to manage.
• Quinsy is an abscess that forms on the tonsils, typically triggered by inflammation of the tonsils known as tonsillitis. This condition involves the accumulation of pus in the tissues surrounding the tonsils, leading to severe throat pain, difficulty swallowing, and fever. Treatment usually involves antibiotics and sometimes drainage of the abscess.
• Snoring: When the tonsils occlude the throat, snoring is even more likely and can lead to conditions such as:
• Sleep apnea: A sleep disorder that can occur with blockages to the throat.
• Tonsil stones, also known as tonsilloliths, are small, whitish or yellowish balls comprised of bacterial debris that accumulate in the crevices or pits of the tonsils. They can cause bad breath and discomfort, making them unpleasant to deal with.

What happens after surgery?

As a very effective tonsillitis treatment, tonsil surgery usually allows you to go home after four hours.  general anesthesia is used during the surgery, you won’t be permitted to drive yourself home for at least 24 hours afterward.t’s better to have someone with you who can take you home. You won’t need any antibiotics, but you will have post-operative meds to take home with you.

The best thing that you can do post-op is to rests as much as you can. No going to the gym or any other strenuous activity, as you could burst your stitches in your throat. Once you are speaking and eating normally again, you will be able to return to work. Soreness should last for around a week, and then you’ll be feeling good again after that.

After tonsil surgery, many individuals opt for soft foods initially, which is understandable as they are easier to swallow.. Soft foods are clearly the easier option to swallow. However, a lot of this comes from fear of hurting their throat, but the official advice is that you can eat normally after surgery. Pain levels will rise after a few days, but by seven days post-op they should be gone and you should be feeling normal once more. The best thing that you can do is to keep taking your painkillers and eat as normally as possible, and you’ll be able to carry on with life just as before surgery. Consulting with an Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) doctor can provide personalized guidance on post-operative care requirements.