Removal of tonsils: the consequences of surgery
Tonsils are a very important organ of the human body. They represent a kind of barrier for various viruses and infections that try to get into the body by airborne droplets. Tonsils are also prone to disease, like other organs.
In some cases, the disease flows into a form where one can not do without removal. What consequences can be expected after this operation?
The tonsillitis surgery is carried out only on the basis of strong indications, which were established by a qualified physician after a clinical examination.
Effects of tonsillectomy
After removal of the tonsils, protection against viruses in the area of the nasopharynx disappears. Thus, a person will become more prone to colds. In addition, tonsils occupy a significant place in the development of immunity.
If you are still sent to remove tonsils: the consequences will be unambiguous. This, though simple, but still an operation. In most cases, you can note the general stress for the body, the pain within a week after the operation, an open wound that is protected with antibiotics.
After the operation, bleeding may also begin, but this happens rarely. Most of all, people with rheumatism are predisposed to this.
It is worth noting that sometimes it is impossible to do without an operation, but the consequences of removing tonsils still have positive aspects. If the procedure is not performed in a timely manner, the inflammation can lead to complications in the work of the heart, kidneys and joints. In addition, the operation will help cope with chronic tonsillitis, persistent sore throats and other inflammatory processes on the tonsils.
Indications for the operation
Most recently, the removal of tonsils was considered a common thing. Today they are trying to resort to surgery in extreme cases, until the last attempt to get rid of the problem in a "peaceful" way.
Modern specialists advise to perform the operation in such cases:
- occurrence of angina more than 4 times a year, which is accompanied by high fever and poor health;
- the onset of chronic tonsillitis due to persistent angina;
- development of purulent abscesses affecting the larynx;
- presence of unconscious closure of the respiratory tract( eg, with snoring);
- a sharp weakening of immunity.
With at least one of these indications, the patient is sent to an operation to remove the palatal adenoids, which is called tonsillotomy.
How tonsils
are removed Nowadays tonsils are removed partially or completely using sparing techniques and using modern equipment.
With partial removal of adenoids, either liquid nitrogen or cauterization with an infrared or carbon laser is used. After the damaged tonsil dies, it is removed.
With this operation, the pain is not felt. But since the tonsils are not completely removed, the patient may feel pain for a while in the throat, in addition, the temperature may rise after removal of the tonsils.
Complete removal of glands
Mechanical removal of tonsils under general anesthesia
Surgery is performed by a surgeon using a wire loop and surgical scissors. The procedure occurs under general anesthesia and is accompanied by a slight bleeding.
Electrocoagulation
High-frequency electric current affects damaged tonsils. The operation does not cause pain and bleeding. After the procedure, there may be some complications associated with the adverse effect of electric current on healthy tissues.
Laser destruction of tonsils
Treatment of chronic tonsillitis occurs with the help of a laser and causes neither pain nor bleeding. The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis and does not require hospitalization. The wound heals quickly.
Postoperative period
After completion of the operation, the patient is placed on the right side, an ice pack is placed on the neck. This helps to avoid heavy bleeding. Also, a course of antibiotics is prescribed to prevent the occurrence of various infections.
On the first day after the operation, the patient is allowed to drink only a few sips of water. Some time the food after removing tonsils will be limited - the diet consists of mashed and liquid food in a cold form. After about 5 days, the wound is healed.
General recovery after tonsil removal takes about 2 weeks. During this period, breathing through the nose can be slightly difficult, since there is swelling of the tissues of the nasopharynx. To ease the condition, it is recommended to instill in the nose up to 4 times a day saline, as well as vasoconstrictive drops( if necessary).Drops should not be used for longer than 5-7 days.
After the operation, bleeding is also possible. This happens due to incomplete removal of adenoids - a bleeding piece of tissue remains in the nasopharynx. To stop bleeding most often use repeated scraping of the nasopharynx.
Just do not think that after removing the glands, your body will no longer be protected - there are only six tonsils, so the remaining ones will take on the role of a barrier for infections.