Tonsillectomy

The procedure, which used to be quite common in the last century, however, current findings confirm the importance of the tonsils, so that even more conservative doctors usually resort to it only after a series of antibiotic failures. Those who are less conservative then prefer a non-invasive solution and achieving a normal state of the upper respiratory tract, for example with the help of Streptokill.
If the prescribed treatment fails and angina continues to return, the last resort solution is to remove the tonsils. This procedure is called Tonsillectomy (sometimes also spelled Tonsillectomy).
A tonsillectomy is a procedure in which the tonsils are surgically removed from the throat. Sometimes even partial removal is sufficient. The surgeon removes the tonsils whole if the patient suffers from recurrent angina. The entire operation is performed through the patient's mouth.

When is tonsillectomy performed?
- in case of repeated failure of antibiotics
- during short-term respiratory arrest
- when angina repeatedly returns
- for serious problems with loud snoring
- in case of long-term serious problems with swallowing and eating (when the tonsils are enlarged)
- with an abscess on the tonsils

- Cold scalpel or cold knife surgery. This is the oldest form of tonsillectomy
- LTA (laser removal of tonsils) removal with the help of a laser
- Microdebrider removal of tonsils using a rotary device equipped with suction
- Electrocautery tonsil removal. This method burns the tonsils away.

In most cases, tonsillectomy is successful, but complications are possible, some of which can be life-threatening.
Some of the complications may occur during the procedure. For example:
- the patient's reaction to anesthetics
- infection
- heavy bleeding

Some complications are postoperative:
- sore throat
- bleeding
- infection
- difficulty swallowing
- pain in the ear, jaw or throat

The recent case where a seven-year-old girl from Kytlice died in the Děčín Hospital also testifies to the fact that tonsillectomy is not a completely banal procedure and the aforementioned complications are not just hypothetical. She underwent a tonsillectomy, there were no signs of possible serious complications, so she was discharged to home treatment, but after a week the girl's health deteriorated rapidly and despite the efforts of the doctors, she could not be saved.

The tonsillectomy controversy is also evidenced by a study of children's hospitals published in USA Today, which states that out of 140,000 monitored tonsillectomy procedures in children under the age of 18, a full 8% of patients had to visit the hospital again within 30 days after the operation due to complications. The most common complications were bleeding, vomiting, dehydration, pain and infection.

The decision whether to undergo a tonsillectomy is always up to the patient, although it is sometimes difficult to say "no" to a doctor who convincingly claims that the tonsils are in a very bad condition and "have to come out". However, it is necessary to keep in mind that the removal of tonsils is irreversible and therefore it is only the last option. It is therefore a good idea to make sure that all other treatment options have been exhausted before deciding on the procedure.