Tonsillectomy in adults and children – indications for tonsillectomy

Tonsillectomy, or tonsillectomy, is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of the palatine tonsils.Tonsils are small lymphatic nodules that play an important role in defending the body against infections.However, there are situations where they need to be removed in both adults and children.In this article, we will discuss the functions of the tonsils, the indications for tonsillectomy, the tonsillectomy procedure, and what happens after surgery.

Tonsillectomy – what are the functions of the tonsils?

The tonsils, also called palatine tonsils, are part of the lymphatic system.They play a role in defending the body against infections, especially at a young age.They are the place where lymphocytes are produced, which are responsible for fighting pathogens such as bacteria and viruses.Tonsils help in the body’s defense process, but sometimes they can become a source of problems, which leads to the need to remove them.

When should your tonsils be removed?indications for tonsillectomy

The decision to remove the tonsils is made by the doctor based on several factors.There are certain indications for tonsillectomy, which include:

• Chronic tonsil infections that recur frequently and cause sore throat, fever and difficulty eating.
• Recurrent tonsillitis, especially if it is difficult to control with antibiotics.
• Obstruction of the airway caused by enlarged tonsils, which can lead to sleep apnea and breathing problems, especially in children.
• Presence of tumors or cancerous lesions in the tonsils that require removal.

The decision to undergo tonsillectomy is individual and should always be consulted with a specialist.In some cases, tonsils may play an important role in the body’s defense, so removing them is not always necessary.

Removal of the third tonsil (adenotomy)

In some cases, especially in children, it may also be necessary to remove the third tonsil, especially if it is enlarged and causes problems with nasal breathing.An adenoidectomy is a procedure similar to a tonsillectomy that involves removing the third tonsil from the back of the nose.

After tonsillectomy surgery

After tonsillectomy, patients are advised to rest for a few days and avoid physical activity.Sore throat and difficulty eating may occur for a few days after the procedure, so it is important to follow your doctor’s recommendations regarding diet and painkillers.The course of recovery may vary depending on the patient’s age and type of surgery.

Your suggestions

If you have questions about having your or your child’s tonsils removed, it is always a good idea to consult an otolaryngologist.He can carefully assess the situation and decide whether tonsillectomy is necessary.Remember that each case is different and the decision to remove the tonsils should be well thought out and based on an individual medical assessment.

Recommended articles

If you are interested in tonsillectomy and other otolaryngological procedures, it is worth reading other articles on this topic.You can find a lot of useful information on this subject in medical literature and on the websites of specialized clinics and hospitals.

It is worth remembering that tonsillectomy is a serious surgical procedure that may affect the patient’s health and quality of life.Therefore, the decision to undergo tonsillectomy should be made responsibly and after consultation with a specialist.