Tonsillectomy SURGERY

Why do People Get a Tonsil Removal Surgery?

The medical procedure known as tonsillectomy is commonly recommended for patients when the conventional antibiotic or other alternative treatments have not worked, or when the root cause is severe and is affecting the patient's quality life. Tonsil removal surgery is commonly done for the following reasons:

• Recurring infections: Recuurent episodes of tonsillitis or tonsil infection
• Chronic tonsillitis: Long-standing infection of the tonsils and is affecting your daily life.
• Breathing problems: Enlarged glands can cause breathing trouble, especially during sleep.
• Pain in the neck: Swollen glands can make it extremely hard and painful to swallow.
• Chronic bad breath: Tonsillectomy is one treatment option for persistent foul breath (halitosis), which can occasionally be linked to chronic tonsillitis or tonsil stones.
• Complications: Chronic or recurrent tonsillitis can lead to complications such as peritonsillar abscess.

It is essential for the patient to communicate openly with their doctor to understand the treatment options along with their benefits and risks of each method to make informed decisions.

Understanding the Anatomy of Tonsils

The tonsils are involved in the lymphatic system that serves as a network of organs and tissues within the body. These act as a defense mechanism for the body to fight off infections. They also form the body's first line of defense, helping to combat bacteria and viruses that enter through the mouth and nose. Here is a brief overview of the anatomy of tonsils.

• Location: Tonsils are situated at the junction of the oral cavity and the pharynx, on both sides of the throat. 
• Types: There are three types of tonsils, that are palatine tonsils (these are the ones that most people are referring to when they mention their tonsils), adenoids (behind your nose), and lingual tonsils (at the base of your tongue).
• Composition: Tonsils are composed of lymphoid tissue, which is made up of immune cells called lymphocytes. These immune cells help fight infections and protect the body from harmful pathogens.
• Function: Tonsils are tiny masses of lymphoid tissue in the oropharynx. As part of your immune system, they help to fight off bacterial infection. They trap pathogens and produce antibodies against them.
• Size: Tonsils range in size among individuals. Some tonsils may be larger and more noticeable, while others may be tiny and almost unnoticeable.
• The risk of getting infected: The tonsils also get infected, a condition known as tonsillitis. Tonsillitis is characterised by the swelling or inflammation of the tonsils. Infections of the tonsils are either caused by bacteria or viruses. Symptoms include fever, sore throat, pain when swallowing, trouble swallowing, and runny nose.

Although the tonsils are a part of the lymphatic system, they are non-critical and do not compromise the ability of the body significantly to fend off infection. 

Different Types Of Tonsil Removal Surgery