Tonsillectomy: when to do it, post-operative period and nutrition

Tonsillectomy is surgery to remove the tonsils that is indicated in case of difficulty breathing due to the size of the tonsils, in case of chronic tonsillitis or when tonsillitis does not improve after the use of antibiotics.

During tonsil removal, the adenoid is removed, which is a set of tissues that are above the tonsils and behind the nose, and which can also become infected.

Tonsillectomy can be performed free of charge by the SUS or in private hospitals, depending on the indication for the surgery. See also how adenoid surgery is performed.

When to have surgery

Tonsillectomy is recommended in the following cases:

• Chronic tonsillitis, which appears more than 3 times a year;
• Tonsillitis that does not improve with the use of antibiotics;
• Difficulty breathing due to the size of the tonsils;
• Apnea, which is a situation in which a person stops breathing one or more times during sleep.

In some cases, the otorhinolaryngologist may also recommend surgery when tonsillitis causes very intense symptoms, even if they do not occur more than 3 times a year. Check out the symptoms of tonsillitis, its causes and treatments.

How is the surgery done

Tonsillitis surgery is performed under general anesthesia and can last between 30 minutes and 1 hour. Normally, you have to stay in hospital for a few hours until you fully recover, but it is possible to return home the same day. Still, due to the risk of bleeding and pain, some doctors may advise hospitalization for at least 1 night.

Possible complications

Despite being a safe procedure, there may be some complications, mainly bleeding, pain and vomiting, in addition to the risks related to general anesthesia, such as cardiovascular problems, respiratory problems, allergic reactions, mental confusion.

Some people report that after surgery their voice changed, difficulty swallowing and shortness of breath, in addition to coughing, nausea and vomiting.

What is recovery like?

Recovery from tonsillitis surgery lasts between 1 and 2 weeks. However, in the first 5 days, it is common for a person to feel intense pain in the throat and, therefore, the doctor may prescribe painkillers, such as Paracetamol or Dipirone.

Furthermore, during recovery people should rest, avoiding exertion, but absolute rest is not necessary. Other important indications are:

• Talk little during the first 3 days after surgery;
• Avoid touching, sneezing or scratching your throat or blowing your nose forcefully for 2 weeks;
• Drink lots of fluids, especially water;
• Avoid hard and rough foods for 7 days;
• Eat cold or frozen foods to reduce inflammation;
• Have a liquid diet for the first 3 days.

During the postoperative period after tonsillitis surgery, it is normal for patients to feel nausea, vomiting and pain. However, if symptoms such as a high fever that lasts more than 3 days or excessive bleeding appear, it is recommended to see a doctor.

Nutrition after surgery

It is recommended to eat foods that are easy to swallow, such as:

• Broths and soups passed through the blender;
• Minced or ground egg, meat and fishadded to blended soups or added to puree;
• Juices and smoothies of fruits and vegetables;
• Boiled, roasted or mashed fruit;
• Well-cooked rice and vegetable puree such as potatoes, carrots or pumpkin;
• Mashed legumessuch as beans, chickpeas or lentils;
• Milk, yogurt and cream cheeses, such as cottage cheese and ricotta;
• ​Porridge cornstarch or oatmeal with cow or vegetable milk;
• Moistened bread crumb in milk, coffee or broths;
• Liquids: water, tea, coffee, coconut water.
• Others: gelatin, jelly, pudding, ice cream, butter.

Water at room temperature is best and you should avoid very hot or very cold foods. Biscuits, toast, bread and other dry foods should be avoided in the first week. If you want to eat one of these foods, you should soak it in soup, broth or juice before putting it in your mouth.