Removing the tonsils prevents further episodes of tonsillitis, although patients can still get a sore throat from other causes (e.g., pharyngitis). The procedure is performed under a general anaesthetic as a day case. Patients can usually go home the same day after a period of observation.
Indications
The SIGN guidelines (2010) give the indications for tonsillectomy. The number of episodes of acute sore throat they specify for a tonsillectomy are:
- 7 or more in 1 year
- 5 per year for 2 years
- 3 per year for 3 years
Other indications are:
- Recurrent tonsillar abscesses (2 episodes) - Quincy
- Enlarged tonsils causing difficulty breathing, swallowing or snoring
- ?malignancy - Patient has R/F (smoking, alcohol, loss of weight etc)
Complications
- Sore throat where the tonsillar tissue has been removed (this can last 2 weeks)
- Damage to teeth
- Infection
- Post-tonsillectomy bleeding
- Risks associated with a general anaesthetic
Post Tonsillectomy Bleeding