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Best ENT Hospital in California - UC Irvine Department of Otolaryngology

Best ENT Hospital in California

Tonsillectomies are typically performed on children and teenagers ,and rarely on adults.

However, adults who meet certain criteria and suffer from certain health conditions may benefit by undergoing a tonsillectomy. If you are a candidate for this surgery, you may get the results you want by having it performed at the best ENT hospital in California.

What is an Adult Tonsillectomy?

An adult tonsillectomy is similar to a tonsillectomy performed on a child or teenager. During the surgery, you will be put under general anesthesia. The operation itself will last for about 45 minutes to an hour. It is done on an outpatient basis, meaning you can go home to recuperate shortly after the operation is finished.

During the time you are asleep, the surgeon at the best ENT hospital in California will remove the tonsil on each side of your throat. The tonsils are oval-shaped pads located at the back of your throat. The surgeon may use a laser or cauterization to remove them.

After you wake up from surgery, you will remain under observation for about an hour to ensure you do not suffer from bleeding or allergic reactions. You will be discharged from the best ENT hospital in California after you can hold down clear liquids.

Why is an Adult Tonsillectomy Performed?

An adult tonsillectomy may be performed for a variety of reasons. The most common reasons for an adult to undergo a tonsillectomy include:

  • Cancer that has spread to the tonsils from the head or neck
  • Sleep apnea
  • Halitosis or chronic bad breath
  • Chronic sore throats that do not get better with antibiotics
  • Repeated bouts of strep throat that occur more than every three months

If you suffer from any of these ailments, you may be encouraged to undergo an adult tonsillectomy at the best ENT hospital in California.

Adult Tonsillectomy Recovery

The recovery period for an adult tonsillectomy lasts for one to two weeks. You can expect minor bleeding to occur in the back of your throat for the first seven to 10 days. The stitches in the back of your throat will also slough off on their own.

Your throat will be sore and raw, which can make swallowing and eating difficult. As painful as it is, it is crucial that you continue to drink clear liquids often. Drinking clear liquids frequently throughout the day prevents dehydration and also minimizes the pain you will experience.

If necessary, you may need to use over-the-counter pain or prescription pain medication. You should use pain relievers as directed and avoid overusing or abusing them.

Finally, you will be asked to avoid strenuous activities for two weeks after your surgery. You may need to follow up with the surgeon at the best ENT hospital in California to ensure you are healing properly.

Adult tonsillectomies are performed for very specific reasons. If your surgeon recommends this procedure to you, you can prepare now by learning how it is performed and what to expect during your recovery period.