Our Summary

This study looked at whether it’s better to remove all or just part of a child’s tonsils. They looked at various sources of data from 1980 to 2016. The researchers found that what doctors meant by “partial” tonsil removal varied a lot. They also compared different ways of doing the surgery. In studies where they used the same method, kids recovered faster (went back to normal eating and activity quicker) when they only had part of their tonsils removed. This was also the case in most studies where they used different methods. However, kids who only had part of their tonsils removed were more likely to get throat infections later on. They also found that about 6% of the kids who only had part of their tonsils removed had them grow back later. The study concluded that it’s not clear whether removing all or just part of the tonsils is better. The speed of recovery seemed to be a bit quicker with partial removal, but this also led to more chances of the tonsils growing back and more throat infections. The differences between the groups weren’t big enough to make a firm conclusion. The fact that “partial” tonsil removal wasn’t defined consistently made it harder to compare the results.

FAQs

  1. What did the study reveal about the recovery time for partial tonsil removal versus full removal in children?
  2. Was there a difference in the likelihood of throat infections following partial versus full tonsil removal?
  3. Did the study conclusively determine whether partial or full tonsil removal is better for children?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about tonsillectomy is to follow the post-operative care instructions carefully. This may include taking prescribed pain medication, staying hydrated, eating soft foods, and avoiding strenuous activities for a certain period of time. It’s important to rest and allow your body to heal properly to reduce the risk of complications and promote a faster recovery.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for tonsillectomy include:

  1. Recurrent tonsillitis: Patients who have frequent episodes of tonsillitis (usually defined as at least 7 episodes in one year, 5 episodes per year for 2 years, or 3 episodes per year for 3 years) may be recommended for tonsillectomy to prevent further infections.

  2. Obstructive sleep apnea: Patients with obstructive sleep apnea, a condition in which the airway becomes partially or completely blocked during sleep, may benefit from tonsillectomy as enlarged tonsils can contribute to airway obstruction.

  3. Enlarged tonsils: Patients with significantly enlarged tonsils that cause difficulty breathing, swallowing, or speaking may be recommended for tonsillectomy to improve their quality of life.

  4. Peritonsillar abscess: Patients who develop a peritonsillar abscess, a painful collection of pus near the tonsils, may require tonsillectomy to prevent recurrent abscesses.

  5. Cancer: In rare cases, patients with tonsil cancer may require tonsillectomy as part of their treatment plan.

It is important for patients to discuss their individual symptoms and medical history with their healthcare provider to determine if tonsillectomy is the appropriate treatment option for them.

Timeline

Before tonsillectomy:

  • Patient may experience recurrent throat infections, difficulty breathing or swallowing, snoring, or sleep apnea
  • Patient meets with an ENT specialist to discuss the need for tonsillectomy and to go over the procedure
  • Patient may undergo preoperative testing and evaluation to ensure they are healthy enough for surgery
  • Patient may need to stop taking certain medications or avoid eating or drinking before the surgery

After tonsillectomy:

  • Patient undergoes the tonsillectomy procedure, which usually takes about 30 minutes to an hour
  • Patient wakes up in the recovery room and may experience some pain, sore throat, and difficulty swallowing
  • Patient is monitored for any complications and may be given pain medication to manage discomfort
  • Patient is discharged home the same day or may need to stay overnight for observation
  • Patient is advised to rest, drink plenty of fluids, and eat soft foods for the first few days after surgery
  • Patient may experience some throat pain, ear pain, bad breath, or jaw pain for up to two weeks after surgery
  • Patient gradually resumes normal activities and can typically return to school or work within a week or two
  • Patient follows up with their ENT specialist for postoperative care and to ensure proper healing

Overall, the recovery timeline for tonsillectomy can vary from patient to patient, but most individuals experience relief from their symptoms and improved quality of life after the procedure.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with a tonsillectomy?
  2. How will the surgery be performed and what method will be used?
  3. What is the expected recovery time after a tonsillectomy?
  4. Will there be any dietary restrictions following the surgery?
  5. What are the potential long-term effects of having all or part of the tonsils removed?
  6. How will pain be managed after the surgery?
  7. Are there any alternative treatments or therapies that could be considered instead of a tonsillectomy?
  8. How many tonsillectomies have you performed and what is your success rate?
  9. What is the likelihood of the tonsils growing back if only part of them are removed?
  10. How soon after the surgery can normal activities be resumed, such as going back to school or work?

Reference

Authors: Sathe N, Chinnadurai S, McPheeters M, Francis DO. Journal: Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2017 Mar;156(3):456-463. doi: 10.1177/0194599816683916. Epub 2017 Jan 17. PMID: 28093947