Our Summary

This research paper talks about a doctor who had a stubborn bacterial infection in their nasal cavity and throat, caused by MRSA (a type of bacteria that’s resistant to many antibiotics). They tried to get rid of the infection three times, but it kept coming back. Finally, they decided to remove the tonsils (a surgery called a tonsillectomy), and that seemed to solve the problem for good.

FAQs

  1. What is a tonsillectomy and why was it performed in this case?
  2. What are some of the other treatments attempted before resorting to tonsillectomy for MRSA colonization?
  3. What is the role of the tonsils in MRSA colonization, and how did their removal lead to long-term success?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about tonsillectomy is to follow post-operative care instructions carefully, including staying hydrated, avoiding strenuous activities, and taking prescribed pain medication as directed. It is also important to eat soft, easy-to-swallow foods and avoid rough or scratchy foods that could irritate the surgical site. Additionally, it is important to attend follow-up appointments with your doctor to ensure proper healing and monitor for any complications.

Suitable For

Tonsillectomy is typically recommended for patients who have recurrent tonsillitis, sleep-disordered breathing, or chronic tonsillar hypertrophy. Other indications for tonsillectomy may include severe or recurrent sore throats, difficulty swallowing, snoring, or obstructive sleep apnea. In some cases, tonsillectomy may be recommended for patients with drug-resistant infections, such as MRSA colonization, as in the case described above. Ultimately, the decision to recommend tonsillectomy will depend on the individual patient’s medical history, symptoms, and response to other treatments.

Timeline

Before tonsillectomy:

  1. Patient experiences recurrent infections or inflammation of the tonsils, such as tonsillitis or strep throat.
  2. Patient may have difficulty breathing or swallowing due to enlarged tonsils.
  3. Patient may experience chronic bad breath or a persistent sore throat.
  4. Patient may have frequent ear infections or sleep apnea.

After tonsillectomy:

  1. Patient undergoes surgery to remove the tonsils, typically performed under general anesthesia.
  2. Patient may experience pain, sore throat, and difficulty swallowing for a few days after surgery.
  3. Patient is advised to rest and drink plenty of fluids to aid in recovery.
  4. Patient may experience temporary changes in taste or voice due to swelling and healing.
  5. Patient gradually recovers and experiences relief from recurrent infections and other symptoms associated with enlarged tonsils.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What is the reason for recommending a tonsillectomy in my case?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with the surgery?
  3. What is the expected recovery time and post-operative care instructions?
  4. Will removing my tonsils have any impact on my ability to fight off infections in the future?
  5. Are there any alternative treatments or medications that could be considered before proceeding with a tonsillectomy?
  6. How long has the surgeon been performing tonsillectomy procedures and what is their success rate?
  7. Will I need to undergo any pre-operative tests or evaluations before the surgery?
  8. How long will I need to stay in the hospital after the procedure?
  9. What symptoms should I watch for after the surgery that may indicate a complication?
  10. Will removing my tonsils affect my sense of taste or ability to swallow?

Reference

Authors: Dost P, Senska G, Dirkes-Kersting AT, Jaussi R. Journal: HNO. 2019 Jan;67(1):51-53. doi: 10.1007/s00106-018-0581-7. PMID: 30338387