Tonsillectomy: Procedure, Recovery & Risks

A tonsillectomy is surgery to remove the tonsils. It may be recommended for recurrent tonsillitis, enlarged tonsils that make it difficult to breathe, sleep apnea, or tonsil infections that do not improve with antibiotics.

A tonsillectomy is performed under general anesthesia and usually takes less than 1 hour. In some cases, the adenoids may also be removed during the procedure if they are enlarged or frequently infected.

Recovery from tonsillectomy usually takes 1 to 2 weeks and includes rest, pain management, and eating soft foods while the throat heals. Although the procedure is generally safe, it is important to watch for possible complications, such as bleeding, and follow the doctor's recovery instructions.

When it's recommended

A tonsillectomy may be recommended in the following cases:

• Recurrent tonsillitis or throat infections, especially when they happen several times per year over 1 or more years
• Tonsillitis that does not improve with appropriate treatment
• Difficulty breathing due to enlarged tonsils
• Sleep apnea, which is a condition in which a person stops breathing one or more times during sleep

In some cases, an ENT specialist may also recommend surgery when tonsillitis causes very intense symptoms or complications, even if infections are less frequent.

According to the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, recurrent throat infections should meet specific frequency and documentation criteria before tonsillectomy is considered in children.

How surgery is done

Tonsillectomy is done under general anesthesia and usually takes 30 minutes to 1 hour. In most cases, the person stays at the hospital or surgical center for a few hours after surgery until they are awake and stable enough to go home.

Most people can go home the same day, but some may need to stay overnight if there are complications, certain medical conditions, or a higher risk of problems after surgery.

Possible complications

Although tonsillectomy is generally considered safe, complications can happen, including bleeding, pain, and vomiting. There are also risks linked to general anesthesia, such as heart or breathing problems, allergic reactions, and confusion.

Tonsillectomy recovery

Recovery from tonsillectomy takes about 1 to 2 weeks. However, during the first few days, it is common to have severe throat pain. According to the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or both may be recommended for pain control after tonsillectomy.

In addition, people should rest during recovery and avoid physical effort, but complete bed rest is not necessary. Other important recommendations include:

• Speak as little as possible during the first 3 days after surgery

• Avoid blowing the nose forcefully for 2 weeks

• Drink plenty of fluids, especially water

• Avoid hard, dry, or rough foods for 7 days

• Eat cold or frozen foods if they help soothe the throat

• Follow a liquid or soft-food diet during the first few days, as tolerated

During the postoperative period, it is normal to have nausea, vomiting, and pain. However, if symptoms such as fever, worsening pain, signs of dehydration, or bleeding occur, it is important to contact the doctor or seek urgent medical care.

Food after surgery

After surgery, it is best to eat foods that are easy to swallow, such as:

• Broths and soups blended until smooth

• Chopped or ground egg, meat, and fish added to blended soups or served with purees

• Fruit and vegetable juices and smoothies

• Cooked, baked, or mashed fruit

• Well-cooked rice and vegetable purees, such as potato, carrot, or pumpkin

• Mashed legumes, such as beans, chickpeas, or lentils

• Milk, yogurt, and creamy cheeses, such as cream cheese and ricotta

• Oatmeal made with cow’s milk or plant-based milk

• Soft bread soaked in milk or broth

• Liquids: water, tea, diluted juice, and coconut water

• Other options: gelatin, pudding, popsicles, and ice cream

Room-temperature water is best, but cold foods and drinks may also be soothing if tolerated. Very hot foods and drinks should be avoided.

Cookies, toast, bread, and other dry foods should be avoided during the first week. To eat any of these foods, they should first be soaked in soup, broth, or juice.