Tonsillectomy

1. Physical examination: The doctor examines the throat, nose, and ears of the patient. The patient’s symptoms and medical history are also evaluated.
2. Throat swab: The doctor will take a sample of the secretions present at the back of the throat by rubbing a sterile swab over it and this sample is then sent to the laboratory to check for the presence of bacteria.
3. Blood tests: A complete blood cell count (CBC) helps in determining the cause of infection if the result of the throat swab test is negative.
4. Polysomnography: This is a type of sleep study performed when tonsillectomy is being performed to treat obstructive sleep apnea, other types of airway obstructions, and certain other conditions.

There are several ways to perform a Tonsillectomy such as-

• Cold Steel Surgery in which a scalpel is used to remove the tonsils. This is the most standard approach of a Tonsillectomy.
• Electrocautery involves the burning of tonsillar tissue. This may also damage the surrounding tissue, causing pain and discomfort.
• Harmonic Scalpel surgery in which ultrasound energy is used to vibrate the blade very quickly. This procedure is effective due to the high precision in cutting of the damaged tonsil.
• Coblation uses ionized saline layer to damage the molecular bonds and hence, dissociates the tonsil. It is preferred over other treatments as it does not involve heat.  

The side effects of tonsillectomy may include the following:

• Swelling in the throat or tongue area
• Pain in the throat area
• Pain in the jaw, neck, or ears
• Bad breath
• Sore throat 
• Infection 
• Allergic reaction to the anesthetic agent used
• Feeling of having something stuck in the throat
• Damage to the teeth
• Bleeding
• Fever
• Dehydration 
• Weakness
• Dizziness
• Breathing problems

• The patient usually goes home on the same day of the procedure.
• It is normal to have some throat pain, fatigue, bad breath, low-grade fever, hoarseness, and difficulty in speaking for one to five days after the surgery.
• It is normal to have scabbing and mild bleeding (till the scabs eventually fall off) for the first ten days after the surgery.
• Drink lots of fluids, and eat soft and cool foods for the first week after surgery.
• The patient can usually resume work ten days after the surgery. Complete recovery may however take about two weeks.
• Inform the doctor if you notice any signs of infection after the surgery.

Home remedies:

• Take pain-relieving medications as recommended by the doctor to get relief from throat pain.
• Eat a soft and cold food diet and drink lots of fluids during the recovery period.
• Avoid eating spicy, hot, hard, or crunchy food items.
• Avoid strenuous activities and traveling for two weeks of the surgery.
• Take plenty of rest for at least two days after the surgery.

Benefits:

A tonsillectomy has the following benefits:

• Lesser infections
• Better quality of sleep
• Improved quality of life

Cost of tonsillectomy in India- 

The cost of a tonsillectomy in Mumbai is between INR 25,000 to INR 85,000.
The cost of a tonsillectomy in Delhi is between INR 20,000 to INR 75,000.
The cost of a tonsillectomy in Bangalore is between INR 20,000 to INR 75,000.
The cost of a tonsillectomy in Chennai is between INR 15,000 to INR 70,000.