4 Things to Know About Tonsil Surgery

If you’re facing a surgical procedure to remove your tonsils, you may have some questions. When you don’t know what to expect from tonsil surgery, the thought of it can be daunting. And yet actually it’s a relatively straightforward process. If you prepare yourself in the right way, it’s a quick surgery that can make a big difference in your life. For those who experience breathing difficulties, sleep apnea or who are plagued by recurrent tonsilitis, getting tonsil surgery can be transformative. So here are four things to know before the day of your surgery.

1. It’s a quick procedure

Even though a tonsillectomy is a procedure done under general anesthetic, it’s actually very quick. The surgery itself only takes around thirty minutes to complete and is a quick process, either involving a scalpel to remove the tonsils or cauterization. It may take a further couple of hours to recover from the general anesthetic and you should arrange for someone to take you home from the hospital, but generally you should be able to travel home the same day with the sign-off of your ENT doctor.

2. There are some steps you need to take before and after

For the best preparation and the quickest recovery, there are some things you should do before and after your surgery. Twenty-four hours before the procedure, you will need to make sure you don’t have anything to eat or drink. This is so that the general anesthetic that you will be given is more effective and doesn’t make you feel nauseous. You should also arrange your transportation to and from the hospital. You will not be able to drive yourself after the surgery, so make sure you have a friend or relative on hand to help out. Generally, you will not need to bring an overnight bag, as its usual to be discharged a few hours after your surgery. After your tonsil surgery, you will need to make sure you have a week or so off from work or school to fully recover. Stock up on soft, easy to eat foods as your throat is liable to be quite sore immediately after your tonsillectomy. Things like nutrition shakes can be good to begin with, so you are getting the right nutrients without having to eat solid foods. Things like soups, oatmeal and applesauce are also a good choice.

3. There are two types of tonsil surgery

You will either be assigned a steel dissection, which refers to the removal of the tonsils by your doctor using a scalpel or a cauterization, which uses heat to remove them. Both procedures only involve a half hour operation and are quite simple. Your ENT doctor will advise on which surgery is best in your particular case.

4. Consult your ENT doctor about painkillers

You will need to be careful with the medication that you take immediately following tonsil surgery. Some types of over the counter painkillers are best avoided – such as aspirin and paracetamol. This is because they can interfere with the healing process your throat will be going through. If you take any prescription medications, always consult with your ENT doctor first to see if you are safe to continue. They should also be able to tell you what painkillers it is safe to take, should you need them.