Adenoids and Tonsils Surgery
The solution for recurrent tonsillitis and sleep apnoea in adults/children: surgical interventions on tonsils and adenoids
The role of tonsils and adenoids
The tonsils, which are located on either side of the tongue, and the adenoids, which are at the back of the nose and above the palate, have the function of helping the organism to create defences against infections when microbes or viruses attack the body. This mechanism is particularly effective and useful until the age of 3/4, then tonsils lose their function and can become a source of chronic or repetitive infection. If hypertrophic, tonsils prevent the natural breathing through the nose and can cause sleep apnoea or serous otitis. This is why it is better to remove them.
In more than nine cases out of ten, tonsils and/or adenoids surgery concerns children. In adults, the operation is required in case of repetitive tonsillitis, tonsil caseum (smelly white substance), and phlegmons (abscess in the throat).
When are tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy recommended?
Surgical removal of tonsils (tonsillectomy) and/or adenoids (adenoidectomy) is suggested in case of:
- more than 4 tonsillitis in a year
- enlarged tonsils and adenoids that cause breathing difficulties, snoring, sleep problems and/or make it difficult to eat.
- repeated and/or serous otitis in children (adenoidectomy).
Surgery procedure
Adenoidectomy is performed under general anaesthesia. It lasts 10 minutes and leaves no visible scar. Its after effects are painless.
Tonsillectomy also is performed under general anaesthesia and by natural means. It lasts 30-40 minutes and can be performed as a day surgery under certain conditions, that your surgeon will explain. Its after effects are painful: it is important to control this pain as best as possible by following the postoperative treatment prescribed by your head and neck ENT surgeon.
Possible complications
Generally, adenoidectomy does not lead to postoperative complications, except in the rare cases of abnormal soft palate.
Post-surgery effects
During tonsillectomy recovery time, which lasts 2 - 3 weeks, patients cannot eat solid, hot and spicy foods, nor smoke or drink anything other than still water.
Coverage of tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy by social security.
This surgery is covered by social security, but your head and neck ENT surgeon may request an additional fee.
Dr. Stéphane Hervé is an ENT specialist and a head and neck surgeon, who graduated from some of the best universities in France. For the surgical treatment of obstructive (hypertrophic) tonsils, he uses the new technique of partial ablation by radio frequencies, thanks to the Ellman Surgitron® 4.0 generator, which optimises the control and precision of the surgical procedure, while also reducing the pain and the risk of postoperative haemorrhage.
