Removing Tonsils in Children Recovery
The surgery is most often performed on children. The procedure to remove the tonsils is called a tonsillectomy; excision of the adenoids is an adenoidectomy. Both procedures are often performed at the same time; hence the surgery is known as a tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy, or T&A. While your child is asleep, the doctor will remove the tonsils through your child's mouth. If your child is also having an adenoidectomy, the doctor will take out your child's adenoids at the same time. The doctor will then stop the bleeding. Tonsils and adenoids are often removed when they become enlarged and block the upper airway, leading to breathing difficulty. They are also removed when recurrence of tonsil infections or strep throat cannot be successfully treated by antibiotics. 1 The surgeon places a small tool into your child's mouth to keep it open. 2  The surgeon removes the adenoid glands using a spoon-shaped tool (curette). 3  Or another tool that helps cut away soft tissue is used. 4  Some surgeons use electricity to heat the tissue, remove it, and stop bleeding. 5  This is called electrocautery. While your child is asleep, the doctor will remove the tonsils through your child's mouth. If your child is also having an adenoidectomy, the doctor will take out your child's adenoids at the same time. 1 The surgeon places a small tool into your child's mouth to keep it open. 2  The surgeon removes the adenoid glands using a spoon-shaped tool (curette). 3  Or another tool that helps cut away soft tissue is used. 4  Some surgeons use electricity to heat the tissue, remove it, and stop bleeding. The tonsils are small, round pieces of tissue that are located in the back of the mouth on the side of the throat. Tonsils are thought to help fight infe ctions by producing antibodies and can usually be spotted in the throat of your child by using a light. A tonsillectomy is the surgical removal of the tonsils. The adenoids may or may not be removed at the same time. Adenoidectomy is not discussed in this topic. A general anesthetic is always used to sedate a child having a tonsillectomy. While your child is asleep, the doctor will remove the tonsils through your child's mouth. If your child is also having an adenoidectomy, the doctor will take out your child's adenoids at the same time. The doctor will then stop the bleeding. Your child will not get stitches. During surgery: 1  The surgeon places a small tool into your child's mouth to keep it open. 2  The surgeon removes the adenoid glands using a spoon-shaped tool (curette). 3  Some surgeons use electricity to heat the tissue, remove it, and stop bleeding. 4  Absorbent material called packing material may also be used to control bleeding.
The procedure to remove the tonsils is called a tonsillectomy; excision of the adenoids is an adenoidectomy.