Is it necessary to remove tonsils for chronic tonsillitis?
Decreased immunity often leads to diseases such as tonsillitis, which in turn creates the ground for the formation and development of chronic tonsillitis.
Table of contents:
- Is it necessary to remove tonsils for chronic tonsillitis?
- The effect of chronic tonsillitis on the body
- Types of disease
- Need for removal
- Methods of performing the operation
- Advantages and disadvantages of the operation
- Categories
- Latest articles
- Should tonsils be removed for chronic tonsillitis? Methods for removing tonsils
- Why are tonsils needed?
- When is it necessary to remove tonsils?
- Methods of tonsillotomy
- Methods of tonsillectomy
- Surgical intervention
- Laser destruction
- Electrocoagulation
- Removal of tonsils: pros and cons
- Reasons for removing tonsils
- A little about anatomy
- Indications and contraindications
- Tonsillectomy in children
- Life-threatening complications
- Tonsillectomy: pros and cons
- When to remove tonsils
When making such a diagnosis, many patients believe that it is necessary to remove the tonsils as soon as possible.
The effect of chronic tonsillitis on the body
Chronic tonsillitis refers to diseases of an infectious-allergic nature with the presence of prolonged inflammation of the tissues of the tonsils, which are located in the oropharynx. In structure, they are represented by soft, porous lymphoid tissue with tubules. When asked whether it is worth removing tonsils for chronic tonsillitis, experts say that there are no extra organs in the human body, and therefore all indications should be carefully weighed and the issue should be approached carefully.
The occurrence of acute tonsillitis in a child contributes to the development of stable immunity in the body. And its decrease occurs due to frequent sore throats caused by pathogenic bacteria.
Chronic tonsillitis in a child
In chronic tonsillitis, the soft lymphoid tissue of the tonsils is replaced by connective tissue with scars, which subsequently narrows and closes the tubules with the formation of purulent plugs in them. Various components, such as microbes, food particles, etc., accumulate in the formed places.
The chronic form of the disease creates ideal conditions for the life of microbes, and there is a decrease in the protective functions for which the tonsils are responsible. They turn into a supplier of infections and intoxication to the body, gradually increasing in size. As a result, complications and immune system disorders occur. The body affected by infections triggers the mechanism of allergic reactions, aggravating the patient’s condition.
Types of disease
In modern medicine, several types of chronic tonsillitis are classified according to the classification: compensated, subcompensated, decompensated. In the first case, the almond tissues become inflamed, and the tonsils perform protective functions and the body is able to cope with infections. The second type of tonsillitis is characterized by a combination of local forms with recurrent tonsillitis without signs of complications. The third type of pathology is characterized by the manifestation of local symptoms and the presence of various diseases.
Complications of chronic tonsillitis include the appearance of rheumatism, kidney disease, and cardiovascular disease in chronic forms. To avoid various kinds of complications and serious illnesses, you should undergo systematic treatment. The decompensated appearance, when multiple courses of treatment are ineffective, is eliminated by surgery. As a rule, the disease occurs in patients in childhood, since children are more susceptible to colds.
Enlarged tonsils make breathing difficult, increase the temperature, and adults also experience snoring during sleep
Need for removal
So is it necessary to remove the tonsils for chronic tonsillitis at the present time, if pharmaceuticals are ready to offer alternative treatment options? This is a question that often worries patients during consultations. In the recent past, tonsils were removed to almost all people without exception suffering from chronic tonsillitis, especially when the tonsils were enlarged to the 2nd or 3rd degree. Tonsils, according to many experts, perform certain functions for up to 5 years, and then their action ceases and therefore can be removed without problems. Previously, operations were carried out from the age of 3, but currently they are performed when a person reaches 5 years of age.
Doctors today do not treat the diagnosis categorically with mandatory surgery. Initially, conservative treatment options are used, thanks to a wide range of medications. Many of the drugs offered can shrink tonsils. If treatment is carried out in combination with physiotherapy procedures, positive results can be achieved in a short time.
Laser tonsil removal
The tonsils are removed only in certain cases, such as:
- a sore throat affects the patient at least 4 times a year;
- the occurrence of pathological processes such as damage to internal organs based on a chronic disease;
- development of an abscess after a sore throat;
- lack of positive effect after treatment with medications and physiotherapy.
The decision to remove tonsils is made by an ENT doctor, taking into account the clinical picture of inflammation in the throat, as well as the body’s immune forces.
Methods of performing the operation
Removal of the tonsils is carried out partially or completely in two ways: tonsillotomy or tonsillectomy. In addition to the standard operation, devices are used for less trauma and a quick recovery period. In several ways, partial removal is performed in order to preserve basic functions, make breathing easier, or if complete removal is not possible:
- use of liquid nitrogen;
- the use of a laser with a cauterizing effect.
The tonsils are treated with local anesthetics, and after they die under the influence of hardware mechanisms, they are removed. The techniques are painless and lack bleeding, but pain after surgery and fever for a short time are possible.
Complete removal or tonsillectomy is also performed in several ways that are most suitable for patients:
- surgery;
- laser destruction;
- electrocoagulation.
Surgical method for removing tonsils
The surgical method is traditionally performed using a wire loop and scissors under general anesthesia. The disadvantages of the procedure include the length of the recovery period, possible bleeding and the occurrence of serious complications associated with danger to life. During surgery, the lymphoid tissue should be completely removed to prevent subsequent growths.
The operation should only be entrusted to an experienced, trusted surgeon. Both partial and complete removal of the tonsils uses a carbon laser or infrared laser. The gentle procedure is performed on an outpatient basis, painlessly, with no blood and rapid wound healing. Burns of healthy tissue near the affected area are possible with pain after the procedure.
There are certain contraindications for complete removal of tonsils:
- infectious diseases in the acute stage;
- poor blood clotting;
- diabetes mellitus;
- heart disease, such as tachycardia, severe hypertension, angina pectoris;
- pregnancy period from 6 to 9 months;
- tuberculosis disease.
Advantages and disadvantages of the operation
For patients who are often bothered by throat diseases, the question is whether it is worth removing tonsils for chronic tonsillitis. Surgical intervention on the tonsils is characterized by both certain advantages and disadvantages.
The attending physician must make a balanced, calculated decision.
The advantages of the effect of the operation include such factors as:
- eliminating the risks of various complications in the field of kidney, cardiovascular diseases and a number of others;
- there is no resumption of sore throat;
- restoration of the swallowing process;
- absence of a source of infections;
- improvement of the body's condition.
10 days after tonsillectomy
But it should be taken into account that the consequences after the operation of removing the tonsils have a negative effect:
- the occurrence of bleeding during surgery;
- incomplete removal of the tonsils; there is a possibility of re-growth of lymphatic tissue;
- Frequent sore throats are replaced by bronchitis and pharyngitis.
To remove tonsils or not for chronic tonsillitis is a serious decision that is made in consultation with a specialist, based on the general condition of the body. When determining the need for surgery, a comprehensive examination is carried out, including tests, a cardiogram and referral for consultation to other specialists.
After surgery or conservative treatment, it is important to take measures to strengthen the immune system. In addition to taking vitamin complexes and medications prescribed by a specialist, you should adhere to simple rules, such as regularly taking care of strengthening the immune system, giving up bad habits such as smoking, alcohol, carrying out hardening procedures, establishing a nutritious diet, and performing physical exercises.
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Should tonsils be removed for chronic tonsillitis? Methods for removing tonsils
Frequent sore throats against the background of reduced immunity often lead to the formation of chronic tonsillitis. Many people associate this diagnosis with tonsil removal. However, any qualified doctor will confirm that there are no extra organs in the body, be it tonsils or appendicitis. Therefore, surgical intervention should be approached carefully, weighing all the pros and cons.
Why are tonsils needed?
The tonsils are lymphoid tissue located between the palatine arches. The tonsils are part of a kind of lymphoid ring in the throat. It is this that delays the infection entering the body with air and food. When the immune system is weakened, the tonsils cease to be “defenders”; in the event of a serious attack of infection, the tonsils become inflamed and the doctor diagnoses “acute tonsillitis”.
Everything is not so scary if a sore throat is an isolated case and is treated in a timely manner. Frequent inflammation of the throat can form chronic tonsillitis, while lymphoid cells proliferate and the tonsils increase in size. Then the tonsils cease to protect against bacteria and viruses, turning into a chronic breeding ground for infection.
Chronic tonsillitis, as a rule, develops in children; children often suffer from colds. However, adults are not protected from this disease; untimely or improper treatment of tonsillitis can lead to the formation of complications against the background of already acquired diseases.
An increase in the size of the tonsils can cause difficulty breathing; in adults, chronic tonsillitis is often accompanied by snoring. As with any chronic inflammatory disease, a stable increase in temperature can be observed. In this case, patients complain of general malaise, pain when eating, and difficulty swallowing.
When is it necessary to remove tonsils?
Previously, removal of the tonsils was performed in almost every patient with chronic tonsillitis, especially if the proliferation (hypertrophy) of the tonsils was grade II-III.
It is believed that the tonsils function only up to 5 years of age; after that, the tonsils are practically useless. An operation to remove the tonsils 10 years ago was prescribed from the age of 3; now the removal is performed on adults and children over 5 years of age.
However, modern doctors are not so categorical regarding this diagnosis and, if possible, use conservative treatment methods. Now pharmaceuticals offer a wide range of medications that can significantly reduce the size of the tonsils, and in combination with physiotherapy, minimize the risk of chronic tonsillitis.
It is necessary to remove tonsils if:
- a person suffers from tonsillitis more than 4 times a year;
- against the background of chronic tonsillitis, pathological processes occur (rheumatism, kidney damage, liver damage);
- tonsillitis is complicated by the development of abscesses, the inflammatory process extends beyond the tonsils;
- there is no effect in the treatment of chronic tonsillitis using conservative methods.
Attention: Whether to remove tonsils is decided solely by an ENT doctor, based on the external picture of inflammation in the throat, the state of the body’s immune forces and the advisability of conservative treatment.
Removal of the tonsils can be partial (tonsillotomy) or complete (tonsillectomy). In addition to conventional surgery, hardware techniques are used, the main advantage of which is less trauma, and therefore a shorter recovery period.
Methods of tonsillotomy
Many adults have witnessed the surgical removal of tonsils in their children: the child’s fear of the operation, crying and screaming, hoarse voice. How do modern doctors remove tonsils? Modern technologies make it possible to perform surgery to remove tonsils as painlessly and less traumatically for the patient’s psyche.
The tonsils are partially removed to preserve their basic function and facilitate breathing in cases of severe hypertrophy and in the presence of contraindications to the complete removal of the tonsils. Tonsillotomy is performed in the following ways:
- cryosurgery (freezing with liquid nitrogen);
- using an infrared or more modern carbon laser (cauterizing effect).
The surface of the tonsil treated under local anesthesia dies and is subsequently removed. These techniques are virtually painless and the likelihood of bleeding is very low. However, after the operation, short-term sore throat is possible due to partial removal of tonsil tissue. Sometimes the temperature rises after surgery.
Attention: When performing tonsillotomy, the ability of lymphoid tissue to grow should be taken into account. Some time after the operation, the tonsils may increase again to a large size. In order to prevent subsequent enlargement of the tonsils, regular courses of conservative therapy are necessary.
Methods of tonsillectomy
In case of complicated tonsillitis or an advanced chronic process, they resort to complete removal of the tonsils. During tonsillectomy, all lymphoid tissue of the tonsil is removed along with the connective tissue capsule. If it is necessary to completely remove the tonsils, the doctor decides which of the following methods is most appropriate in this case.
Surgical intervention
As before, surgical removal is performed with a wire loop and surgical scissors. However, modern surgeons perform tonsillectomy under general anesthesia; previously only local anesthesia was used. The disadvantages of surgical removal of tonsils are:
- long recovery period (up to 2 weeks);
- bleeding may be quite extensive;
- The use of general anesthesia is not always justified.
Surgery to remove the tonsils, often practiced in Soviet times, is fraught with very serious complications. Just 2 mm from the tonsils there are large blood vessels, accidental damage to which can cause severe bleeding and be life-threatening. In this case, the lymphoid tissue must be completely removed; even a small remnant of it leads to further growth, which reduces the effectiveness of the operation to nothing. Therefore, the surgeon performing such operations must have sufficient experience to remove the tonsils with “jewelry” precision.
Laser destruction
As in the case of partial removal, tonsillectomy is performed using an infrared or carbon laser machine. This is the most gentle way to get rid of tonsils. Operation:
- performed on an outpatient basis;
- painless;
- practically bloodless;
- minimum time spent under medical supervision (from 2 hours to 1 day);
- rapid wound healing.
Electrocoagulation
Hypertrophied tonsils are cauterized with high-frequency electric current. As scary as it may sound, the method is practically painless and the likelihood of bleeding is minimal. Sometimes a burn occurs to the healthy tissue surrounding the tonsil, which causes discomfort after surgery.
Contraindications to tonsillectomy:
- low level of blood clotting (diabetes mellitus);
- acute stage of infectious diseases;
- cardiovascular diseases (angina pectoris, severe hypertension, tachycardia);
- tuberculosis;
- 6-9 months of pregnancy.
Removal of tonsils: pros and cons
Surgeries on the tonsils have their positive and negative sides, which is why the attending physician’s decision to get rid of the tonsils must be balanced and calculated.
The positive effect of the operation is beyond doubt:
- the risk of complications (renal, cardiovascular, etc.) disappears;
- the person is not bothered by sore throats;
- the source of infection disappears;
- the swallowing process is restored;
- general strengthening of the body.
However, there are also negative consequences of tonsil removal:
- possible bleeding during surgery;
- re-proliferation of lymphoid tissue due to incomplete removal;
- pharyngitis and bronchitis take the place of sore throats (since the palatine tonsils took on the role of the main “defender” against viruses and bacteria, their absence can lead to infection penetrating deeper into the respiratory tract).
There is an opinion that removal of tonsils negatively affects girls during puberty. Removed tonsils supposedly affect fertility. Such statements are just fiction. The stress that accompanies the operation may have a negative effect, but not the fact of the operation itself.
Important: A patient who is scheduled for surgery to remove tonsils should be familiar with the method of performing it and the possible consequences.
Whether or not to have your tonsils removed is a big decision. It is worth noting: radical and conservative methods of getting rid of tonsils should be accompanied by measures to strengthen the immune system. A list of simple rules that will protect against acute diseases of the tonsils, chronic inflammation and subsequent surgery to remove them:
- hardening;
- physical activity;
- good nutrition (replenishing the lack of vitamins and microelements with complex vitamin preparations);
- quitting smoking and drinking alcohol.
Treatment of chronic tonsillitis should not end with removal. Only an integrated approach including drugs that stimulate the defenses, physiotherapy and hardening measures will provide lasting immunity and protect against any infections.
Source: http://anginet.ru/tonzillit/udalyat-li-mindaliny-pri-tonzillite
Reasons for removing tonsils
Extracapsular removal of the palatine tonsils (tonsillectomy) is a surgical procedure during which the doctor excises the lymphoid formations along with the peritonsil tissue. The operation allows you to eliminate not only organs affected by inflammation, but also peritonsillar lesions along with abscesses.
Not so long ago, tonsillectomy was resorted to for prophylactic purposes to prevent severe post-infectious complications in children.
When is it necessary to remove tonsils? The tonsils are a protective barrier that prevents pathogens from entering the airways. Immune cells are synthesized in lymphoid tissue, which protect the body from pathogenic flora. For this reason, tonsil removal is performed only in the presence of serious ENT diseases and the risk of developing systemic complications.
A little about anatomy
Several years ago, removal of the tonsils was considered a preventive measure to prevent the development of complications after tonsillitis, pharyngitis, chronic rhinitis, etc. However, modern experts are confident that tonsillectomy should be performed only if there are serious indications. Laboratory studies revealed that the tonsils take part in the formation of immune defense, so their removal can negatively affect the body's resistance.
Tonsils (tonsils) are paired organs that consist of lymphoid tissue and perform hematopoietic and protective functions. The ridges, permeated with follicles and crypts (lacunae), are located deep in the throat behind the palatine arches. They participate in the production of macrophages, which are capable of absorbing and neutralizing pathogens (protozoa, microbes, fungi, viruses).
Removal of the tonsils leads to a decrease in general and local immunity, which increases the risk of developing infectious diseases. Experts say that even a half-dead gland synthesizes a large amount of immunoglobulin, which takes part in the formation of the immune response. For this reason, tonsillectomy is recommended only in cases of failure of conservative treatment or systemic complications.
Indications and contraindications
When should you have your tonsils removed? Surgery is indicated when toxic-allergic and infectious phenomena occur. Increasing intoxication of the body creates additional stress on the kidneys, liver, heart and joints, which can cause systemic complications. If pathological processes in the palatine tonsils cannot be eliminated with medications and physiotherapeutic measures, the patient is prescribed surgical treatment.
What are the main indications for tonsil removal?
- recurrent tonsillitis - chronic inflammation of lymphoid tissues indicates the accumulation of pathogens in the ENT organs, which can subsequently lead to the development of severe local (sinusitis, retropharyngeal abscess) and systemic (pyelonephritis, rheumatism) complications;
- severe chronic tonsillitis - the presence of an acute allergic reaction to pathogen metabolites leads to a worsening of the health condition: hyperthermia, fever, swelling of the throat mucosa, etc., which can lead to airway obstruction;
- breathing problem – swelling of the ciliated epithelium and hypertrophy of the glands leads to respiratory failure (apnea) and, as a consequence, malfunctions of the cardiovascular system;
- purulent processes - the formation of purulent masses inside lymphoid tissues leads to their melting and generalization of inflammatory processes.
If the tonsils in adults are not cut out in time, it can be fatal. It should be noted that the reasons for removing the tonsils are not limited to the list presented. Only a qualified specialist can determine the optimal way to resolve the problem after passing the necessary tests. Sometimes, even if there are direct indications, surgical treatment cannot be performed, which is associated with the risk of deterioration of the patient’s health. It is not recommended to resort to tonsillectomy if:
- leukemia;
- hemophilia;
- diabetes mellitus;
- mental illness;
- open form of tuberculosis;
- pathological structure of blood vessels;
- chronic diseases at the acute stage.
Operating on patients in the presence of serious contraindications is fraught with serious blood loss, myocardial infarction, generalization of infectious processes, etc.
Tonsillectomy in children
Why do they cut out and remove the tonsils - in what cases is this done? The need for surgery arises exclusively in the presence of infectious ENT diseases and hypertrophy of the palatine tonsils. Untimely removal of affected organs affects not only the child’s quality of life, but also his appearance. The most common consequences of delayed removal of tonsils in children include:
- enuresis;
- snoring during sleep;
- nasal congestion;
- chronic rhinitis;
- poor appetite;
- wheezing during nasal breathing;
- change in jaw shape.
Important! Prolonged asphyxia due to airway obstruction can cause the development of pulmonary hypertension.
As the size of the palatine tonsils increases, the airway patency is impaired. Regular lack of air forces the child to breathe through an open mouth, which can lead to deformation of the lower jaw. Poor sleep interferes with the production of essential hormones, resulting in delayed growth and mental development.
Life-threatening complications
Why are tonsils cut out? Surgical intervention may be required if complications develop that threaten the patient's life. Difficulty breathing, caused by hypertrophy or swelling of lymphoid formations, can cause sudden suffocation. If you experience unbearable pain in the throat and difficulty breathing through your mouth, you should immediately call an ambulance.
As a rule, severe complications in adults arise as a result of the development of chronic or hypertrophic tonsillitis. Intoxication of the body leads to malfunctions of vital organs and systems, which can result in the following pathologies:
The occurrence of the above diseases is preceded by purulent inflammation in the tonsils, which leads to tissue melting and generalization of pathological processes. Therefore, if you experience severe sore throat, febrile fever and lymphadenitis, you should call a doctor.
Tonsillectomy: pros and cons
In what cases are tonsils removed? Extracapsular excision of lymphoid formations inevitably leads to a decrease in immunity, but prevents the development of severe systemic complications. Tonsillectomy in adults is often performed due to the development of chronic tonsillitis, which is not amenable to drug treatment.
Surgery is a mandatory step in resolving situations that threaten the patient’s life. In all other cases, the decision to undergo a tonsillectomy should be approached by taking into account the following nuances:
- absolute removal of the source of infection;
- elimination of chronic tonsillitis;
- no systemic complications
- decreased body reactivity;
- cicatricial changes in the mucous membrane of the throat;
- rapid development of ENT diseases if they penetrate the oropharynx.
Removal of tonsils in adults is carried out only in extreme cases when there are direct indications.
If the patient is prone to allergies, which can lead to airway obstruction, or suffers exacerbation of chronic tonsillitis more than 4-5 times a year, the otolaryngologist may offer him surgical treatment.
Author: Guseinova Irada
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When to remove tonsils
Sore throats are quite common. There is no person who has not encountered this. Some suffer from this all their lives, since any cold ends with a sore throat, or an exacerbation of chronic tonsillitis, for which doctors often recommend removing the tonsils. Patients are often afraid of this procedure, as there are many myths about its danger to the body. Read the article about why and when they need to be removed.
A sore throat may indicate the development of inflammatory processes in the tonsils.
In the past, tonsil removal was a common procedure and was done frequently. Today this issue is taken more seriously, as it has been found that without them the protective capabilities of the immune system are reduced. Therefore, the procedure is used only in cases where the tonsils have completely and irrevocably lost their properties:
For chronic tonsillitis caused by streptococcus. At the same time, it often worsens. To diagnose streptococcal infection, it is necessary to do a blood test that determines the presence of antistreptolysin titer. If its level is elevated, and taking antibiotics does not change the situation, the tonsils must be removed due to the risk of developing dangerous complications. If the tonsil is significantly enlarged. However, treatment does not help correct the deformity. This pathology is dangerous because it can cause sleep apnea due to airway obstruction. In addition, it causes constant discomfort.Paratonsillar abscess of the tonsil. In this case, the abscess from the tonsils spreads to the soft lymphoid tissues. Most often, this disease can be treated with drug therapy, but if it does not help, the organ must be removed. Intoxication of the body, which leads to diseases of the kidneys, heart, etc., due to inflammatory processes in the tonsils. In order to undoubtedly determine the relationship, the patient is sent to undergo rheumatic tests. Ineffectiveness of drug treatment for sore throat or chronic tonsillitis, vacuum removal of plugs, rinsing and physical procedures. Severely weakened immune system. Exacerbation of sore throat more than three times in 12 months, while the patient complains for constant high temperature and feeling of weakness.
In any case, surgical intervention is prescribed only according to the recommendation of the attending physician.
Surgery to remove the tonsils is called tonsillectomy. To prepare for it, you need to do a laboratory examination:
platelet test; general blood and urine test; test that determines blood clotting.
Therefore, preparation for the procedure takes place in the hospital. In addition, the patient must visit doctors: therapist, dentist, cardiologist. They advise the patient regarding the possibility of surgical intervention. To avoid bleeding, regardless of the result of the clotting test, the patient is prescribed 14 days before the procedure to take medications to improve blood clotting. You should not take ibuprofen or aspirin for a month before the procedure.
Advances in medicine make it possible to perform tonsillectomy for adults using different methods:
Traditional (conservative). The tonsil is cut out with a scalpel, scissors, or pulled out with a loop. This is an old method, so it has been worked out by surgeons. The disadvantage is the long recovery period after the procedure. Laser. The lymphoid tissue is cut using an infrared laser. At the same time, swelling does not form from such an intervention, rehabilitation is almost painless. The danger of such a procedure lies in the possibility of getting a burn to healthy lymphoid tissue. Ultrasound. Using an ultrasonic scalpel, the lymph is heated to 80 degrees and cut off. After this procedure, everything heals quickly. Possible risks include bleeding. Collapse. The tonsil tissue is not heated. The tonsils are cut off using a cold radio knife. In this case, it is possible to remove the organ completely or partially. The postoperative period is short and recovery is painless. There is only one drawback - general anesthesia. Liquid nitrogen. This surgical intervention takes 20-40 minutes, depending on the method. After the procedure, the patient should lie on his right side and keep ice on his throat. Food and drink are prohibited for about a day. You can wet your lips. The tonsils can be removed completely or partially.
Like any surgery, tonsillectomy carries a risk of complications. They are quite rare, but the negative consequences should be known to every patient in order to know how to react to them:
Possibility of bleeding for 2 weeks after cutting. If there are drops of blood in the saliva, you need to lie on your right side and apply ice; if there is a lot of blood, you should call an ambulance. In this case, there is no need to panic; doctors can easily cope with this problem. Sometimes a change in voice occurs. If the procedure is carried out correctly, nothing will happen to the voice. Lymphadenitis. This complication develops due to the spread of pathogenic microorganisms to the cervical lymph nodes, which eventually become inflamed. If you start treating lymphadenitis in time, it will go away quickly. Deterioration of the protective function of the immune system. Painful sensations in the throat. Risks from the use of anesthesia.
Postoperative care and recovery after tonsil removal depend on the method of the procedure. The patient is discharged from the hospital after 2 days, or maybe after 1.5 weeks. Unpleasant and painful sensations in the throat normally persist for up to two weeks, and at the end of the first week the pain becomes sharply more noticeable. This is due to the fact that the crusts fall off during healing. After the peak of pain, the discomfort gradually decreases. After this, the removed tonsils heal completely.
To reduce the painful consequences, the patient can be administered intramuscular analgesics. The patient is also prescribed to take antibiotics for several days.
In the postoperative period, it is possible to detect a white or yellowish coating in the throat. This is fine. It will go away on its own when the scars heal. Until this happens, you cannot disinfect or gargle. During rehabilitation (14 days), the patient is recommended:
drink the maximum possible amount of water; wash only in a cool shower; try not to talk; do not eat burning or hard food; when brushing your teeth and rinsing your mouth, be extremely careful not to touch the scars; drink paracetamol-based painkillers (aspirin and ibuprofen thin the blood , which increases the risk of bleeding); do not go to the solarium, bathhouse; do not travel on airplanes.
After tonsillectomy, taste perception is impaired for several days.
3 weeks after surgery, scars are formed, covered with a mucous membrane, after which you don’t have to worry.
Opinions surrounding the removal of tonsils are divided. The tonsils are one of the main organs in protecting the body from viruses. Cutting them out threatens the respiratory system with susceptibility to infections and a tendency to colds. Therefore, many adults do not want their tonsils cut out, despite the indications.
Tonsil removal in children can put a negative strain on the immune system.
Doctors say that adults have nothing to fear from such a problem, because the procedure does not affect the immune system. When a child becomes a teenager, the tonsils are no longer the only barrier between pathogens from the external environment and the respiratory tract. In parallel, the pharyngeal and sublingual tonsils perform a protective function. Therefore, after tonsillectomy, these organs replace the work of the tonsils.
If there is an indication for the removal of tonsils, and they are not cut out, this will have a bad effect on your health. Inflammation becomes a source of infection, the protective function is inhibited. This will lead to serious diseases of other organs. Women are likely to develop infertility. Therefore, the only argument against removed tonsils is the impossibility of performing the operation for the following reasons:
tuberculosis; hypertension of the third degree; vascular diseases in which blood clots poorly; diabetes mellitus.
There are temporary health problems for which surgery on the tonsils cannot be performed:
pregnancy (7-9 months); inflamed gums; menstruation; caries; ARVI; acute tonsillitis; exacerbation of chronic infection.
Extracapsular removal of the palatine tonsils (tonsillectomy) is a surgical procedure during which the doctor excises the lymphoid formations along with the peritonsil tissue. The operation allows you to eliminate not only organs affected by inflammation, but also peritonsillar lesions along with abscesses.
Not so long ago, tonsillectomy was resorted to for prophylactic purposes to prevent severe post-infectious complications in children.
When is it necessary to remove tonsils? The tonsils are a protective barrier that prevents pathogens from entering the airways. Immune cells are synthesized in lymphoid tissue, which protect the body from pathogenic flora. For this reason, tonsil removal is performed only in the presence of serious ENT diseases and the risk of developing systemic complications.
Several years ago, removal of the tonsils was considered a preventive measure to prevent the development of complications after tonsillitis, pharyngitis, chronic rhinitis, etc. However, modern experts are confident that tonsillectomy should be performed only if there are serious indications. Laboratory studies revealed that the tonsils take part in the formation of immune defense, so their removal can negatively affect the body's resistance.
Tonsils (tonsils) are paired organs that consist of lymphoid tissue and perform hematopoietic and protective functions. The ridges, permeated with follicles and crypts (lacunae), are located deep in the throat behind the palatine arches. They participate in the production of macrophages, which are capable of absorbing and neutralizing pathogens (protozoa, microbes, fungi, viruses).
Removal of the tonsils leads to a decrease in general and local immunity, which increases the risk of developing infectious diseases. Experts say that even a half-dead gland synthesizes a large amount of immunoglobulin, which takes part in the formation of the immune response. For this reason, tonsillectomy is recommended only in cases of failure of conservative treatment or systemic complications.
When should you have your tonsils removed? Surgery is indicated when toxic-allergic and infectious phenomena occur. Increasing intoxication of the body creates additional stress on the kidneys, liver, heart and joints, which can cause systemic complications. If pathological processes in the palatine tonsils cannot be eliminated with medications and physiotherapeutic measures, the patient is prescribed surgical treatment.
What are the main indications for tonsil removal?
recurrent tonsillitis - chronic inflammation of lymphoid tissues indicates the accumulation of pathogens in the ENT organs, which can subsequently lead to the development of severe local (sinusitis, retropharyngeal abscess) and systemic (pyelonephritis, rheumatism) complications; severe chronic tonsillitis - the presence of an acute allergic reaction to pathogen metabolites leads to a worsening of the health condition: hyperthermia, fever, swelling of the throat mucosa, etc., which can lead to airway obstruction; breathing problem – swelling of the ciliated epithelium and hypertrophy of the glands leads to respiratory failure (apnea) and, as a consequence, malfunctions of the cardiovascular system; purulent processes - the formation of purulent masses inside lymphoid tissues leads to their melting and generalization of inflammatory processes.
If the tonsils in adults are not cut out in time, it can be fatal. It should be noted that the reasons for removing the tonsils are not limited to the list presented. Only a qualified specialist can determine the optimal way to resolve the problem after passing the necessary tests. Sometimes, even if there are direct indications, surgical treatment cannot be performed, which is associated with the risk of deterioration of the patient’s health. It is not recommended to resort to tonsillectomy if:
leukemia; hemophilia; diabetes mellitus; mental illness; open form of tuberculosis; pathological structure of blood vessels; chronic diseases at the acute stage.
Operating on patients in the presence of serious contraindications is fraught with serious blood loss, myocardial infarction, generalization of infectious processes, etc.
Why do they cut out and remove the tonsils - in what cases is this done? The need for surgery arises exclusively in the presence of infectious ENT diseases and hypertrophy of the palatine tonsils. Untimely removal of affected organs affects not only the child’s quality of life, but also his appearance. The most common consequences of delayed removal of tonsils in children include:
enuresis; snoring during sleep; nasal congestion; chronic rhinitis; poor appetite; wheezing during nasal breathing; change in jaw shape.
Important! Prolonged asphyxia due to airway obstruction can cause the development of pulmonary hypertension.
As the size of the palatine tonsils increases, the airway patency is impaired. Regular lack of air forces the child to breathe through an open mouth, which can lead to deformation of the lower jaw. Poor sleep interferes with the production of essential hormones, resulting in delayed growth and mental development.
Why are tonsils cut out? Surgical intervention may be required if complications develop that threaten the patient's life. Difficulty breathing, caused by hypertrophy or swelling of lymphoid formations, can cause sudden suffocation. If you experience unbearable pain in the throat and difficulty breathing through your mouth, you should immediately call an ambulance.
As a rule, severe complications in adults arise as a result of the development of chronic or hypertrophic tonsillitis. Intoxication of the body leads to malfunctions of vital organs and systems, which can result in the following pathologies:
rheumatism; phlegmon of the neck; peritonsillar abscess; meningitis; mediastinitis; pyelonephritis; pericarditis; myocarditis.
The occurrence of the above diseases is preceded by purulent inflammation in the tonsils, which leads to tissue melting and generalization of pathological processes. Therefore, if you experience severe sore throat, febrile fever and lymphadenitis, you should call a doctor.
In what cases are tonsils removed? Extracapsular excision of lymphoid formations inevitably leads to a decrease in immunity, but prevents the development of severe systemic complications. Tonsillectomy in adults is often performed due to the development of chronic tonsillitis, which is not amenable to drug treatment.
Surgery is a mandatory step in resolving situations that threaten the patient’s life. In all other cases, the decision to undergo a tonsillectomy should be approached by taking into account the following nuances:
absolute removal of the source of infection; elimination of chronic tonsillitis; no systemic complications
decreased body reactivity; cicatricial changes in the mucous membrane of the throat; rapid development of ENT diseases if they penetrate the oropharynx.
Removal of tonsils in adults is carried out only in extreme cases when there are direct indications.
If the patient is prone to allergies, which can lead to airway obstruction, or suffers exacerbation of chronic tonsillitis more than 4-5 times a year, the otolaryngologist may offer him surgical treatment.
The tonsils (palatine tonsils) are lymphoid accumulations that perform protective and hematopoietic functions. The paired organs are located deep in the throat behind the palatine arches and are one of the key components of the lymphadenoid pharyngeal ring. They represent an immune barrier that prevents pathogens from entering the respiratory tract.
Is it worth removing tonsils? Frequent relapses of ENT diseases, abnormal structure of organs and their hypertrophy are direct indications for removal of the palatine tonsils.
The absence of tonsils can negatively affect local immunity and general reactivity of the body.
For this reason, surgery is performed only in extreme cases in the presence of serious pathologies.
Tonsil removal is a simple operation during which partial (tonsillotomy) or complete (tonsillectomy) excision of lymphadenoid formations occurs. Surgical manipulation is resorted to only in case of ineffectiveness of conservative treatment and tissue hypertrophy. Until recently, tonsillectomy was performed exclusively under general anesthesia, but with the advent of gentle techniques for excision of soft tissue, the procedure is more often performed under local anesthesia.
Is it painful to have tonsils removed? A large number of nerve endings are concentrated in lymphoid formations.
For this reason, the tissues to be operated on are numbed before surgery. In otolaryngology, there are at least 5 different methods for removing palatine tonsils:
mechanical ectomy - excision of soft tissue using a scalpel and a metal loop under general anesthesia; is performed mainly in the presence of serious complications (peritonsillar abscess, hypertrophy of the tonsils); cryodestruction - a procedure for freezing and removing lymphoid tissues under general anesthesia; liquid plasma ectomy – partial or complete excision of the tonsils using a plasma “knife”; this is one of the most non-traumatic ways of performing the operation; ultrasonic removal - cutting out affected tissue using an ultrasonic emitter; during the procedure, the damaged vessels are simultaneously “sealed”, which prevents severe blood loss; laser ectomy is a simple operation for excision of lymphadenoid formations followed by coagulation of small vessels.
It should be noted that tonsil removal may cause postoperative complications. Rehabilitation helps reduce the likelihood of septic inflammation, during which the patient must undergo antibacterial and immunostimulating drug treatment.
Do I need to have my tonsils removed? Only a qualified specialist can judge the appropriateness of the procedure. In the absence of serious indications, tonsillectomy is not performed, which is associated with a decrease in the resistance of the entire organism.
During 5 years of laboratory research, American experts found that the palatine tonsils are an immune laboratory. It is here that a thorough analysis of foreign agents entering the body from food and air takes place. All potentially dangerous microorganisms are neutralized by paired organs, which prevents the development of infectious complications.
When might surgery be required? In most cases, surgery is performed for tonsil dysfunction. Frequent relapses of purulent tonsillitis and abnormal tissue structure pose a threat to human life. If conservative treatment does not eliminate pathogens in the lacunae and follicles of the tonsils, they are removed to prevent the generalization of catarrhal processes.
Secondary immunodeficiency is one of the key reasons for frequent relapses of ENT diseases. When catarrhal processes become chronic, the palatine tonsils become constantly inflamed, which leads to the proliferation of lymphoid tissue. In this case, removal of the tonsils makes it possible to eliminate the main site of localization of pathogenic microorganisms and thereby prevent severe post-infectious complications.
Do I need to remove my tonsils? Tonsillectomy is performed by otosurgeons only in cases where pathological changes in tissues can lead to negative consequences in the long term. Several important arguments can be given in favor of the operation:
elimination of the source of infection - excision of infected tissue helps eliminate foci of inflammation, which helps prevent the development of secondary diseases (pharyngitis, bronchitis, sinusitis); constant relapses - chronic inflammation of lymphoid formations leads to organ dysfunction, their hypertrophy and the occurrence of post-infectious complications; the elimination of foci of chronic inflammation triggers detoxification processes in the body, thereby strengthening the overall immune system; prevention of systemic complications - poisoning of the body with metabolites of beta-hemolytic streptococcus leads to increased stress on the detoxification organs and cardiovascular system; timely removal of tonsils allows you to neutralize pathogens, which prevents the development of rheumatism, encephalitis, pyelonephritis, myocarditis, etc.; prevention of thyroid dysfunction - pathological processes in the ENT organs negatively affect the functioning of the endocrine system, in particular the thyroid gland; Tonsillectomy reduces the risk of developing thyrotoxicosis, hypothyroidism and other pathologies.
Should tonsils be removed or not? It should be understood that the human body is a harmonious system in which there are no unnecessary components. Surgery is performed only if there are serious indications. If the patient experiences relapses of ENT diseases more than 4-5 times a year or the proliferation of lymphoid tissues makes breathing difficult, surgical intervention is simply necessary. In all other cases, they try to eliminate pathological processes in the palatine tonsils with drug treatment.
Should tonsils be removed or treated? The presence of bad breath and discomfort in the throat cannot be considered among the weighty arguments in favor of surgery. Yes, after excision of the tonsils, the above symptoms are eliminated, but together with the person’s immunity.
Lymphoid formations are a barrier that prevents the penetration of any foreign agents into the airways. In the absence of tonsils, foci of inflammation are localized in the tubal tonsils, which creates the preconditions for the development of secondary infectious diseases. It should be understood that after tonsillectomy, patients may encounter the following problems:
delayed bleeding is a common postoperative complication that can lead to aspiration of bloody discharge and the development of bronchitis; lack of an immune barrier - a decrease in local immunity contributes to an increase in relapses of pneumonia, tracheitis, pharyngitis, etc.; drying out of the mucous membrane - the absence of palatine tonsils contributes to the drying out of the mucous membrane on the back wall of the throat, which causes discomfort; increased risk of cancer - patients who have undergone tonsillectomy are at risk of cancer 2 times more often.
Women with tonsils removed have a more difficult time during gestation (pregnancy).
Scientists have found that the palatine tonsils indirectly affect the functioning of the hypothalamus.
Removal of tonsils is one of the reasons for insufficient production of female hormones. Their deficiency leads to exacerbation of toxicosis and an increase in the risk of developing congenital pathologies in a child.
Should tonsils be removed if chronic diseases develop? Lymphoid formations produce specific proteins that take part in the deactivation of pathogens. Their excision will inevitably lead to an increase in infectious diseases.
It is for this reason that many specialists try to get by with partial removal of the tonsils, cutting out only those tissues where the pathogenic flora is localized.
Should tonsils be removed if chronic tonsillitis develops? Some patients are terrified of the possibility of having a tonsillectomy. This is largely due to a lack of understanding of the specifics of the procedure, its effectiveness and possible consequences.
Before weighing the pros and cons of surgery, there are a few common myths you should dispel:
tonsils are removed from everyone who suffers from chronic tonsillitis - surgical intervention is resorted to only if canned therapy turns out to be ineffective and relapses of the pathology occur more than 4 times a year; excision of the tonsils is a procedure requiring general anesthesia - general anesthesia is provided only when performing a classic operation with a scalpel and a metal loop; excision of the tonsils completely deprives immunity - non-radical surgery (ablation) with partial removal of lymphadenoid tissue has practically no effect on general and local immunity; During the operation, large blood losses occur - when tissue is excised, small vessels are quickly thrombosed, and large ones are “sealed” during electrocoagulation, which prevents significant blood loss.
Excision of tonsils in children under 5 years of age increases the risk of developing dysbiosis, secondary immunodeficiency and nutritional diathesis.
Should tonsils be removed for preventive purposes? Excision of tissues involved in the synthesis of protective cells negatively affects the reactivity of the entire organism. For this reason, the operated patient may be sick more often than before the tonsillectomy. To reduce the risk of developing infectious pathologies, it is advisable to take preventive measures in anticipation of seasonal diseases.