It takes about 20 to 30 minutes for an ENT ( Ear, Nose and Throat) doctor to take a child’s  tonsils out. Children are usually referred to an ENT from a pediatrician because they have very swollen tonsils that is  resulting in breathing problems as well as repeated infections  that keep them from school and other activities. When antibiotics and time doesn’t  help your child’s ability to function or breath normally, then its time to consider surgery.

Healthy tonsils are small, round lumps at the end of the throat on each side, visible just above the tongue.They are part of a ring of lymphoid tissue in the back of the throat that includes the adenoids. These  adenoids must be checked with an angled mirror since they lie between the back of the nose and the throat.

Blockage of airways 

Swollen tonsils are easier to see and occasionally are large enough to actually touch in the middle. The frequency and severity of tonsillitis is a determining factor when deciding on a tonsillectomy. Tonsils and adenoids that are massively enlarged may obstruct the airways and result in sleep apnea  and breathing difficulties during the daytime.

Tonsils and adenoids are part of the overall lymphatic system and help fight infection by filtering bacteria and viruses in food and air. Some parents worry that their children will get ill often after their tonsils and adenoids are removed. However this is not true. The human body offers a lot of protection.  An example is that  about  250 infection-fighting lymph nodes lie between the collarbone and cheekbone.

What is the criteria for surgery ?

There are a few absolute criteria  for tonsillectomy other than absolute blockage severe enough to cause a lack of oxygen in the body and cardiopulmonary changes. The following situation will indicate the need for a tonsillectomy.

• The child has severe sore throat seven times in one year  or five in each of two years, or three in each of three years.
• The child has a throat infection severe enough to cause an abscess, or an area of pus and swelling, behind the tonsils.
• The child has a case of tonsillitis not helped by antibiotics.
• The child’s swollen tonsils and adenoids impair normal breathing.

As with all other surgeries, the risk of surgery includes the following:

• Risks of general anesthesia
• Hemorrhage
• Postoperative nausea and vomiting

The decision a tonsillectomy should be in collaboration with family, pediatrician and surgeon. This surgery is a same day surgery . However doctor’s may recommend an overnight stay for very young patients. Your child may miss about a week of school and then resume normal routine.