Tonsils are part of the lymphatic system located in the back of the throat. Tonsils help protect from infection by trapping germs coming into the mouth and nose. Sometimes, the tonsils become infected becoming sore and swollen. Frequent infections may lead to a tonsillectomy, or the removal of the tonsils. Typically, this surgery is done at the same time as an adenoidectomy, or removal of the adenoid glands. After the surgery, the number of throat infections is usually lower.
Virtua has board-certified otolaryngologists who specialize in performing minimally invasive procedures such as tonsillectomies. And because children are under anesthesia during the surgery, Virtua's pediatric anesthesiologists are on staff are on staff 24 hours a day.
In addition, Virtua provides child life specialists who help children and their families prepare for hospital procedures. The specialists uses techniques like therapeutic play activities to help make children feel more comfortable.
Definition
Tonsillectomy is surgery to remove the tonsils. These glands are at the back of your throat. Often, tonsillectomy is done at the same time as adenoidectomy, surgery to remove the adenoid glands.
Alternative Names
Tonsils removal
Description
Your child will be given general anesthesia before surgery. They will be asleep and pain free.
- The surgeon will insert a small tool into your child’s mouth to prop it open.
- The surgeon then cuts or burns away the tonsils. The doctor will control bleeding, and the cuts heal naturally without stitches.
Your child will stay in the recovery room after surgery until they are awake and can breathe easily, cough, and swallow. Most children go home several hours after this surgery.
Risks
The risks for any anesthesia are:
- Reactions to medications
- Breathing problems
The risks for any surgery are:
Rarely, bleeding after surgery can go unnoticed and cause very bad problems. Swallowing a lot may be a sign of bleeding from the tonsils.
Another risk includes injury to the uvula (soft palate).