Tonsil Surgery Decision

Dr. Gokhan Guvener

Otorhinolaryngologist-Head and Neck Surgeon, Acupuncturist

Tel: 07521 195818

http://www.drgokhanguvener.com

https://www.instagram.com/drgokhanguvener?

-Tonsils and adenoids are important structures of our immune system. They are the first barriers that meet the inhaled microbes and start the fight against them. They serve more actively in the first 10 years of life. In the following period, their functions and importance decrease relatively. While the tonsils continue to exist, the adenoid usually regresses spontaneously after the age of 10 and with the onset of puberty turns into a small lymphoid tissue.

– Tonsils are oval-shaped tissues located on both sides of the soft palate at the back of the throat and can be easily observed when the mouth is open. The adenoid is located in the back of the nose, behind the soft palate, in the nasal region, which we can define as the dome of the throat cavity. While the tonsils can be easily observed on both sides of the small tongue when the mouth is wide open, the adenoid cannot be seen directly. It can be viewed by looking with the help of a mirror or an endoscope. Its size can be evaluated with a finger examination or x-rays.

– Despite their valuable functions in our immune system, tonsils can sometimes be the source of important infections and health problems. In such cases, they may need to be surgically removed. Tonsil surgery is one of the most common operations in childhood.

-In the past, prevention of complications such as glomerulonephritis, rheumatic fever, and heart valve diseases that may be caused by streptococcal tonsil infections was the primary criterion in deciding on surgery.  In recent years, access to physicians and drug treatments more easily, improvement and awareness in care and protection conditions have led to a relative decrease in such complications. This situation has brought a relative decrease in tonsil surgeries caused by infection.

-Besides, breathing problems caused by the tonsils and large adenoid dimension, sleep disorders that can lead to continuous snoring, and respiratory arrest can also cause surgery. Many studies have shown that such children can develop developmental and behavioural disorders and their learning-school performances are negatively affected.

– It is necessary to evaluate the condition of each patient separately. However, the criteria used to decide for tonsil surgery, in general, are as follows:

* Recurrent attacks of tonsillitis: More than 3 times a year in the last 3 years; more than 5 a year in the last 2 years; or more than 6-7 attacks in a year. (To distinguish from other upper respiratory tract infections); During attacks, as well as sore throat, high fever above 38.3, and/or painful enlarged neck lymph nodes and/or visible inflammatory layers on the tonsils should be observed. Also, if done, findings in favor of bacterial infection are recorded in blood tests and throat culture.

* Febrile convulsion (febrile convulsion) attacks seen with tonsil infections.

* Peritonsillar abscess (abscess in the tissues around the tonsils) seen together with tonsil infections.

* Tonsil and adenoid enlargement, causing continuous mouth breathing and snoring.

* Tonsil and adenoid enlargement, causing development deformities in face, jaws and teeth.

* Tonsil and adenoid enlargement, causing difficulty in swallowing and speech.

* Growth of tonsils and adenoids that cause sleep disorders such as sleep apnea.

* For biopsy with suspicion of tumor in unilateral asymmetric growth.

* The accumulation of so-called tonsil stones, despite all precautions, causes constant repetition and bad breath that affects social life.