Adenoid Tonsil Surgery (Adenotonsillectomy)

Adenoid tonsil surgery (adenotonsillectomy) is an operation that includes the removal of the adenoid and tonsils. The reason for the removal of the adenoids and tonsils is that they cause breathing and swallowing difficulties as a result of their overgrowth. This condition, especially in children, causes breathing and other respiratory problems. Rarely, such problems can be seen in adults. Because of this, some people may have to use antibiotics continuously due to infection. Surgery is also suitable for these people. As adenoid tonsil surgery, they are protected from the negative effects of the excessive use of antibiotics. Adenotonsillectomy is an operation performed under general anesthesia.

You can find out what you are wondering about adenoid tonsillectomy (adenotonsillectomy) under the following headings:

• What are adenoids and tonsils?
• What is adenoid tonsil surgery (adenotonsillectomy)?
• How is adenoid tonsil surgery performed?
• What are the application methods of adenoid tonsil surgery (adenotonsillectomy)?
• What should be considered after adenotonsillectomy?

What is Adenoid and Tonsil?

The adenoid, which is located in the mouth and provides breathing, has the function of protecting the body against factors such as viruses, bacteria and dust coming from the outside. The tonsils are two in number and are located on both sides of the uvula. In any disease, the tonsils can swell, preventing breathing and swallowing as they contain immune cells to help the body fight infections.

What is Adenoid Tonsil Surgery (Adenotonsillectomy)?

Adenoid tonsil surgery (adenotonsillectomy) is an operation that includes the removal of the adenoids and tonsils (tonsils) in the upper respiratory tract. When people are sick, they have problems in their adenoids and tonsils. Among these problems, there may be snoring, sleep congestion, nasal congestion, loss of appetite, developmental delay and disorders in the jaw structure. With the surgery, it is aimed to eliminate the breathing and swallowing problems of these people.

How is Adenoid Tonsil Surgery Performed?

Adenoid tonsil surgery is an operation that can be performed on children and adults. There is a minimum age limit of 3 for children. It consists of the following stages:

• First, the patient is examined. The structure of the adenoids and tonsils is examined. The patient's medical history is listened to by the doctor.
• When the patient's suitability for surgery is decided, the date of surgery is determined.
• The operation is performed under general anesthesia.
• The doctor removes the adenoids and tonsils using classical surgical methods or endoscopic methods.
• There is no need to make any incisions while the adenoid is removed. It can be taken through the nose or mouth with special tools.
• With the help of heat energy, bleeding during surgery is prevented. This way, complications related to bleeding are also reduced.
• After all these procedures, the surgery is completed without any incision. The patient is carefully followed up for the first 48 hours after the operation. Then he can return to his normal life.

What are Nasal Tonsil Surgery (Adenotonsillectomy) Application Methods?

With the effect of technological developments, different techniques have been started to be used in adenoid tonsil surgery. These techniques include:

Classical surgery

In the classical surgical method, the adenoids and tonsils are removed using a knife or other surgical instruments.

Endoscopic Surgery

In the endoscopic surgery method, the adenoids and tonsils are taken through the endoscope. It is a safe technique with much less bleeding.

New Technology Gadgets

Although adenotonsillectomy is technically performed in a similar way, new technological tools provide much faster and better results. One of these instruments, the harmonic scalpel, can cut tissues at high or low speed. It also has the ability to quickly stop bleeding.

What Should Be Considered After Adenotonsillectomy?

After adenoid tonsil surgery (adenotonsillectomy), the patient should pay attention to many things. There may be pain, especially after surgery. He should use the drugs given to reduce this pain as much as he is told. The doctor can also provide antibiotic support to prevent any infection. The first two days after the operation must be rested.

Nutrition after adenotonsillectomy is also very important. The patient should avoid acidic, very hot and hard foods. Alcoholic and acidic liquids should not be consumed as they may damage the throat area. It is appropriate for the patient to consume foods such as ice cream and puree. Cold foods should be taken to a certain extent. As the post-operative period passes, solid foods can be consumed gradually. If you are careful in the first 9-10 days, the recovery will be fast. It may take up to a month for the patient to fully recover.