Tonsillectomy - Removal of palatine tonsils in Turkey

Enlarged palatine tonsils: all you need to know

The palatine tonsils, located on either side of the uvula, are our body's first line of defense. Rich in lymphoid tissue, they play an essential role in the maturation of the immune system, particularly in children. However, recurrent infections, mainly viral or bacterial (streptococcus A),can lead to an increase in their volume, known as tonsillar hypertrophy.

This hypertrophy can cause a variety of symptoms:

respiratory disorders: snoring, mouth breathing, sleep apnea
Swallowing disorders: sensation of a foreign body in the throat, difficulty swallowing.
Otalgia: ear pain
Halitosis: bad breath
If medical treatments (antibiotics, anti-inflammatories) are not sufficient to reduce symptoms and improve the patient's quality of life, a tonsillectomy may be considered. Contrary to popular belief, this surgical procedure does not weaken the immune system in the long term, as other lymphoid organs perform this function.

Who can benefit from tonsillectomy?

Tonsillectomy, or removal of the tonsils, is a surgical procedure that can be performed at any age, from childhood to adulthood.

• In children, this procedure is often proposed in cases of frequent infections (more than 5 tonsillitis cases per year),nocturnal respiratory problems (snoring, sleep apnea) linked to enlarged tonsils, or difficulty swallowing. These problems can lead to chronic fatigue, sleep disorders, learning difficulties and, in some cases, growth problems.
• In adults, the main indications are recurrent infections, such as recurrent tonsillitis or peritonsillar abscesses, which can considerably impair quality of life.

Why remove tonsils?

Tonsillectomy is often considered when the tonsils become a source of recurrent or severe health problems that significantly impact quality of life.

In addition, enlarged tonsils can lead to long-term complications, including voice disorders, recurrent ear infections and, in some cases, heart problems linked to certain infections. 

These problems can not only impair sleep quality and the ability to carry out daily activities, but also promote the onset of other pathologies.

Diagnosis of tonsil problems in Turkey

Diagnosis of tonsil problems is carried out by an ENT doctor in Turkey. During the consultation, the specialist carefully examines the throat for signs of inflammation, infection or other abnormalities. In-depth questioning helps clarify the symptoms experienced (sore throat, difficulty swallowing, fever, etc.),the frequency of episodes and any triggering factors.

Additional tests, such as blood tests, may be required to confirm the diagnosis and identify the infectious agent responsible.

Tonsillectomy in Turkey

Tonsillectomy is the standard treatment for chronic tonsillar pathologies. However, other treatments may be considered in certain cases, such as antibiotics to treat acute infections.

Tonsillectomy, performed under general anaesthetic, is a relatively short surgical procedure, generally lasting between 20 and 30 minutes. 

The choice of technique (laser, radiofrequency, electric scalpel, etc.) depends on the individual case. The procedure can be performed on an inpatient or outpatient basis, depending on the patient's age and other criteria. Although total ablation is the most common, partial ablation may be considered in certain cases, notably to treat sleep apnea. 

The hospital stay is generally very short, not exceeding 24 hours in most cases.

Convalescence and recovery after tonsillectomy

The patient usually returns home quickly, the same day or the day after the operation. A rest period of around ten days is recommended, during which it is important to watch for any signs of bleeding. Post-operative pain, similar to that of severe angina, is to be expected, but can be relieved by prescribed medication.

To promote healing and limit the risk of complications, a cold, blended diet is recommended for the first few days. Local care (mouthwash) completes the treatment. 

Although no scarring is visible, the back of the throat may appear whitish for a few days.

Complications and side effects

Although rare, tonsillectomy, like any surgical procedure, carries certain risks. These include haemorrhage, which can occur during the operation (less than 1% of cases) or later, during healing (1 to 3% of cases). 

Other complications, although exceptional, may arise: 

• Voice alteration.
• Tooth dislocation or small mouth lesions. 
• Voice disorders linked to air leakage (generally improved by speech therapy).