CHRONIC TONSILLITIS AND SURGICAL REMOVAL OF THE TONSILS

The illness

The tonsils form a paired organ composed of lymphoid tissue. They are located in the throat, on both sides of the root of the tongue. They have a sponge-like structure, with small canals leading from the surface to the interior. Even under normal circumstances, these canals harbor bacteria, dead epithelial cells, and food remains. The tonsils play an important role in local defenses against infections. They contain immune cells and produce antibodies. Tonsils that are enlarged due to inflammation narrow the pharynx, leading to muffled speech, and occasionally swallowing and breathing difficulty, and could also contribute to snoring. Acute purulent (follicular) tonsillitis is accompanied by fever and may be complicated by peritonsillar abscess, a life-threatening condition that is absolute indication for surgery. The chronically inflamed tonsil becomes useless for the body, frequently not even contributing to body defenses. In such cases, surgical removal is indicated. In exceptional cases we remove tonsils just for above average size if they cause swallowing or breathing difficulties, or if they contribute to snoring.

One day surgery

"One day surgery" means, that patients can leave the outpatient center on their own feet, accompanied by a helper, within 24 hours of surgery (usually after few hours of observation), and continue the healing process in the familiar confines of their own home. "One day surgery" requires strict professional, social, and various other preconditions that are discussed at the stage of the consultation when the need for surgery becomes clear. (I.e.: good general health, absence of serious systemic disease, patient must take responsibility for arrangement of transportation, home care, must have phone to contact the clinic or the surgeon if necessary, etc).

Preparation for surgery

Surgery is preceded in every case by an ENT examination. Following the examination, the doctor informs the patient about the results of the examination, outlines the suggested treatment plan, informs about anesthesia, home care as well as possible complications that might arise. After the examination and the consultation, the surgery can be performed at any agreed-upon time.

Tonsillectomy

On the day of the surgery, the patient signs the consent form, then the necessary lab tests are done. Surgery may be performed under local anesthesia or general anesthesia. In children the procedure is always performed under general anesthesia. Tonsils are removed from the muscle-bed using either conventional surgical tools or laser. If surgery is performed under general anesthesia, the mouth is kept open using an appropriate tool, which partly rests on the front teeth, but is mainly supported by a metal desk that is independent of the body. Hemostasis is achieved with sutures for larger vessels or with laser for smaller vessels.

After surgery - carried out either in local or general anaesthesia - for monitoring reason one night must be spent at the clinic

Possible complications

No doctor can guarantee a complication-free surgery. Complications can arise even following the most carefully performed procedures. Possible early complications include: bleeding during and after surgery, fever, symptoms of inflammation, pain and swallowing difficulty and temporary loss of taste; however, all of these are treatable. For this reason, if you experience even the slightest indication of complications (for example, bleeding or fever), you can contact your surgeon day or night, who will take the necessary steps to remedy any of the complications. Later complications might include partial recurrence of the illness that can be prevented by appropriate and careful surgical technique.

Postoperative care

Tonsillectomy is one of the largest of one day surgeries we offer. Pain radiating into the ear and swallowing difficulty increase until the 5th to 7th days postoperatively, and then diminish day by day to resolve usually by 10-12 days post-surgery. Consumption of carbonated, spicy, and hot foods or beverages and smoking is forbidden.Rest is recommended, activities causing hyperemia of the neck should be avoided. Regular fluid intake and medications for pain-relief are recommended for 2 weeks following surgery.

Fees

Charge for examination and consultation: 10.000 HUF > Euro
Surgery under local anesthesia: 130.000 HUF > Euro
Charge for general anesthesia: 80.000 HUF > Euro
Charge for overnight stay: 30.000 HUF > Euro

50% of the total cost has to be paid as a deposit before the surgery.

Appointments: Monday - Friday, 8 am - 8 pm.
Telephone: + (36 1) 266 7766