Tonsillitis, surgery on ‘tonsils’ and ‘adenoids’, treatment of middle ear effusions

Reasons for treatment

Enlarged tonsils and adenoids lead to snoring, difficulty swallowing and restricted nasal breathing, particularly in children. Enlarged tissue (‘adenoids’) can cause hearing loss through middle ear effusions. Adenoid removal (adenoidectomy) or tonsil reduction (tonsillotomy) is performed in these cases. Complete tonsil removal (tonsillectomy) is performed for recurrent tonsillitis or abscess formation.

Treatment options

Surgery: Adenoidectomy under general anaesthesia as an outpatient procedure. Myringotomy and grommets for middle ear effusions. Tonsillotomy using a laser or high-frequency/radiofrequency device. Tonsillectomy for complete removal of the tonsils, under general anaesthesia, as an inpatient procedure.

After the procedure

A few days of rest after adenoidectomy because of the risk of postoperative bleeding. Protection from water following myringotomy and grommet insertion. Tonsil operations are performed as inpatient procedures because of the risk of postoperative bleeding. Sore throats requiring painkillers are common after tonsillotomy.