Tonsil & Adenoid Surgery Guide — R.K. Hospital Bhopal

Overview

Tonsillectomy (removal of the tonsils) and adenoidectomy (removal of the adenoids) are among the most common surgeries performed in children, though adults may also need them. Tonsils and adenoids are lymphoid tissues that can become chronically enlarged or repeatedly infected, causing sore throats, difficulty swallowing, snoring, obstructive sleep apnoea, and ear problems. At R.K. Hospital & Research Centre, we perform these procedures using modern techniques including coblation and electrocautery that minimise bleeding and promote faster healing. The surgery is done under general anaesthesia through the mouth — no external incisions are needed. Our team ensures child-friendly care with paediatric-appropriate anaesthesia protocols and a supportive recovery environment.

Who Needs Tonsillectomy & Adenoidectomy?

• •Children or adults with recurrent tonsillitis — 7 or more episodes in 1 year, 5 per year for 2 years, or 3 per year for 3 years
• •Patients with enlarged tonsils or adenoids causing obstructive sleep apnoea (snoring, mouth breathing, pauses in breathing during sleep)
• •Children with adenoid hypertrophy causing chronic nasal obstruction, mouth breathing, or recurrent ear infections (otitis media)
• •Patients with peritonsillar abscess (quinsy) or chronic tonsillitis that does not respond to antibiotics
• •Children with failure to thrive or poor school performance related to chronic tonsil/adenoid problems and disturbed sleep

How to Prepare

1. 1Pre-operative blood tests including complete blood count, bleeding time, clotting time, and blood group
2. 2Stop giving aspirin, ibuprofen, and herbal supplements 2 weeks before surgery as they increase bleeding risk
3. 3Inform the surgeon about any bleeding disorders, allergies, or recent illnesses in the child
4. 4Fast for 6–8 hours before surgery (no food or liquids); clear liquids may be allowed up to 2 hours before in some protocols
5. 5Prepare soft, cold foods at home for after surgery — ice cream, yoghurt, cold soups, and chilled water

What Happens During the Procedure

1. 1General anaesthesia is administered and the patient is positioned with the mouth held open using a mouth gag
2. 2For tonsillectomy: the tonsils are dissected from the surrounding tissue using electrocautery, coblation, or cold dissection technique
3. 3Bleeding points are carefully sealed using electrocautery or suture ligation
4. 4For adenoidectomy: the adenoids at the back of the nose are removed using a curette, suction diathermy, or coblation through the mouth
5. 5The throat is inspected to confirm complete removal and adequate haemostasis (no active bleeding)
6. 6The entire procedure takes 30–45 minutes; the patient is monitored in recovery for 2–4 hours before being shifted to the ward

Recovery & Aftercare

• ✓Hospital stay is typically 1 day; the patient is observed overnight to monitor for any post-operative bleeding
• ✓Throat pain is expected for 7–10 days and is managed with regular paracetamol and prescribed pain medication (avoid aspirin/ibuprofen)
• ✓Offer cold, soft foods for the first week — ice cream, cold yoghurt, chilled custard, and smoothies help soothe the throat
• ✓Mild ear pain is common (referred pain from the throat) and does not indicate an ear infection
• ✓Keep the child at home and away from school for 10–14 days to avoid infections during the healing period
• ✓Contact the hospital immediately if there is fresh bleeding from the mouth or nose, high fever, or inability to drink fluids

Risks & Considerations

Like any medical procedure, there are some risks. Your doctor will discuss these in detail during consultation.

• ⚠Post-operative bleeding — the most important risk; can occur within 24 hours (primary) or 5–10 days after surgery (secondary)
• ⚠Dehydration from poor fluid intake due to throat pain — encourage small frequent sips
• ⚠Temporary voice change or nasal speech, especially after adenoidectomy — usually resolves in a few weeks
• ⚠Infection at the surgical site — minimised with antibiotics and good oral hygiene
• ⚠Very rarely, velopharyngeal insufficiency (nasal regurgitation of fluids) after adenoidectomy, which usually improves spontaneously

Cost in Bhopal

Frequently Asked Questions