How intracapsular tonsillectomy – a new technique championed at CHOC, protects the muscle underneath, resulting in less risk of bleeding after surgery, vastly decreased pain after surgery, and a rapid return to normal diet.
Tonsils
Goodbye Popsicles and pain killers: How painless tonsillectomies are changing CHOC patients’ recoveries
After hearing her mother’s stories of the aftermath of her teenage tonsillectomy, Jenna Opp was a little worried before undergoing the procedure herself. But thanks to a different technique offered by CHOC otolaryngologists, Jenna drank a smoothie right after the procedure, and by that night, she enjoyed eggs and French toast for dinner. Only two […]
Kids and Tonsils
Tonsils are removed much less frequently than in the past, but removal may be necessary under specific circumstances. “There are two predominant reasons for removing tonsils and/or adenoids in children,” says Dr. Ahuja, CHOC Specialists Division Chief of Otolaryngology. “The primary reason is obstruction, or difficulty breathing, sleep-disordered breathing or sleep apnea. The second reason is recurring infection. Tonsils may need to be removed if a child has seven tonsillar infections in one year, or five infections each year for two years, or three infections each year for three or more years, with the infections being accompanied by one or more of the following features: a fever of 1010F or above, a strep throat infection confirmed on a swab from the throat, white coating on the tonsils, large lymph nodes in the or mouth sores.” Surgical removal of the tonsils is called a tonsillectomy. Surgery should be considered only when necessary, but in appropriate situations, it can make a substantial difference in the quality of life.
Tips for Tonsillectomy Recovery
More than 530,000 tonsillectomies are performed each year in children ages 15 and younger, but the common procedure does require some recovery time. Children will typically have a sore throat for a week to 10 days following surgery, and they usually feel well enough to resume their normal activities after two weeks, says Dr. Gurpreet […]
