Do i need tonsillectomy?

"If it happens again you have no choice but to remove it", itu kata Mr. Doc. Kalau betul tonsillitis datang lagi, sungguh merisaukan. Nak biar nanti selalu je demam, nak buang terasa takut sangat.

RISKS

• Bleeding is usually minor but can be severe enough that another trip to the operating room and/or a transfusion would be required.
• Infections are very unusual after surgery but when they occur can usually be controlled with antibiotics.
• Throat pain after this surgery can be expected, can be severe, and may last at least two to three weeks.
• You may notice changes in your voice or you may have problems with fluids coming up into the back of the nose when swallowing. This usually goes away with time but can be permanent.
• This surgery will be done under general anesthesia. Complications of anesthesia can be severe but are rare.
• Death from this surgery or anesthesia is very rare but has been reported.
  

BENEFITS

This surgery has a high degree of success in the treatment of recurrent throat infections. It will not prevent all infections, but should significantly decrease the number and severity of episodes. If the reason for doing this procedure is to rule out a malignancy, it will allow your doctor to have the tonsils examined by a pathologist.

ALTERNATIVES

In the case of recurrent infections, the alternative is to do nothing and continue to take antibiotics when needed. In the case of possible tumor, the area in question can be observed overtime, but this may delay the diagnosis and jeopardize the chances for successful treatment.