Tonsillectomy

Surgery to remove the tonsils is called tonsillectomy and surgery to remove the adenoid gland is called adenoidectomy. Tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy often are performed at the same time in a procedure called adenotonsillectomy.

Surgery to remove the tonsils is called tonsillectomy and surgery to remove the adenoid gland is called adenoidectomy. Tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy often are performed at the same time in a procedure called adenotonsillectomy. Tonsillectomy with or without adenoidectomy is one of the most common surgical procedures performed in children.

Tonsillectomy with or without adenoidectomy is one of the most common surgical procedures performed in children.

• Reactions to anesthetics. Medication to make you sleep during surgery often causes minor, short-term problems, such as headache, nausea, vomiting or muscle soreness.
• Swelling.
• Bleeding during surgery.
• Bleeding during healing.
• Infection.

• Not treating is an option as many tonsil infections are mild and soon get better.
• Have plenty to drink. It is tempting not to drink very much if it is painful to swallow. You may become mildly dehydrated if you don’t drink much, particularly if you also have a high temperature (fever). Some lack of fluid in the body (mild dehydration) can make headaches and tiredness much worse.
• Paracetamol or ibuprofen ease pain, headache, and fever. To keep symptoms to a minimum it is best to take a dose at regular intervals as recommended on the packet of medication rather than now and then. For example, take paracetamol four times a day until symptoms ease. Although either paracetamol or ibuprofen will usually help, there is some evidence to suggest that ibuprofen may be more effective than paracetamol at easing symptoms in adults. Paracetamol is usually the preferred first-line option for children but ibuprofen can be used as an alternative. Note: some people with certain conditions may not be able to take ibuprofen. So, always read the packet label.
• Other gargles, lozenges and sprays that you can buy at pharmacies may help to soothe a sore throat. However, they do not shorten the illness.