Tonsillectomy
Tonsillectomy or removal of the tonsils is a common procedure performed by Ear, Nose and Throat Surgeons on both children and adults. The tonsils are two oval shaped pads of tissue at the back of the throat. They function as the immune systems first line of defence against bacteria and viruses as they enter our mouth. This likely makes the tonsils prone to infection and inflammation. After puberty their immune function tends to decline, and it is important to realise that there is no impact on the immune system if they are removed.
In children today it is most commonly done for sleep problems (sleep disordered breathing) but also for repeated tonsil infections (Tonsillitis).
In adults they may be removed for recurrent tonsillitis, as part of treatment for sleep apnoea, due to a complication of tonsillitis such as abscess, due to concern for cancer or sometimes because of tonsil stones and bad breath.
The recovery time for Tonsillectomy is 2 weeks, with sometimes moderate to severe pain in the throat during this healing time. Bleeding following the operation is the most concerning risk and therefore it is important to have an experienced Ear, Nose and Throat Surgeon managing your care afterwards.
Dr. Peter Floros acknowledges and pays respect to the traditional owners of the land on which we meet and work across Australia; we pay our respects to the elders, past, present and emerging. We encourage our staff and clients to join us wherever they are in Australia by being informed about whose land they are on and paying their respects.