What To Expect From Having Tonsils Removed

How The Procedure Works

The exact details of the surgery will vary depending on the patient's circumstances, and several different methods might be employed. One of the most common methods is a cold knife dissection. During this procedure, the surgeon will use a scalpel to remove the tonsils. If a scalpel isn't used, another one of the most common surgical methods is burning the tonsil tissues away in a process called cauterization. More rarely, a surgeon might opt to use ultrasonic vibration as part of the tonsillectomy procedure. Ultrasonic vibrations use sound waves to damage and remove the tonsil tissues. Though the procedure is major surgery, it usually only takes about thirty minutes to complete. Regardless of the method used, patients will be given general anesthetic, and they'll feel no pain or awareness during the surgery. Upon waking, patients will be in a hospital recovery room. They'll be monitored for a little while to make sure the anesthesia is wearing off correctly. Most patients can return home the same day.

Get familiar with the risks of a tonsillectomy next.