Modern Solutions For Faster Tonsillectomy Recovery
In previous eras, a tonsillectomy was a commonly recommended solution for children with a history of frequent infections. However, in adults, tonsillectomies are usually recommended as a solution for sleep-related issues like obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). In recent years, research suggested that preemptively removing a child’s tonsils wasn’t actually effective in controlling recurrent infections. Ultimately, the procedure became less of a go-to solution even though roughly half a million surgeries are performed annually in the US. Yet, tonsillectomies make up nearly 10% of all surgeries performed in this country.
Why tonsillectomies are less common
To be clear, tonsillectomies are still being performed, even if not at the same frequency as in previous decades. Along with discovering that the surgery didn't control recurring infections, aftercare and recovery complications also raised alarms. One specific concern around prescribing antibiotics as a preventative measure before the procedure and codeine after were cited as specific issues that must be addressed. Likewise, the pain could be so intense that children, in particular, struggled with swallowing, which sometimes caused dehydration. These factors created the pathway for minimally invasive tonsillectomies.
Minimally invasive tonsillectomies
A minimally invasive tonsillectomy works to remove the tonsils without requiring sedation or even incisions. Instead, one of two procedures may be used, including coblation or laser removal via intense pulsed light (IPL). Coblation tonsillectomies rely on low-temperature radiofrequency along with a saline solution to remove infected tissue without disturbing surrounding areas. IPL is similar to coblation but relies on different energy frequencies. Research has shown that young patients had an 83.7% effectiveness rate.
Better recovery experiences
While no procedure is without any risks, minimally invasive tonsillectomies are ideal for both children and adults. Whether coblation or IPL, the minimally invasive procedure significantly shortens recovery times from two to three weeks to as little as a couple of days. Additionally, many people can return to work or school on the same day or the next day. Likewise, recovering patients can resume a normal diet rather than being limited to liquids or soft foods for weeks. Finally, because the risk of unexpected bleeding is significantly lower, recovering patients and associated caregivers spend less time in emergency rooms or seeking post-operative emergency care.
Is a tonsillectomy the right choice?
Ultimately, speaking with a physician is the best way to determine if a tonsillectomy will improve quality of life. The most common reasons for the procedure include sleep obstruction, recurrent strep throat infections, and frequent tonsillitis cases. Although still a common surgery for children, many physicians prefer not to immediately recommend tonsillectomies, even in young patients with frequent throat infections. Still, if the tonsils need to be removed, asking about a minimally invasive surgery can make the process and recovery period easier.
