Removal of the Pharyngeal Tonsil

The pharyngeal tonsils (pharyngeal tonsilcument), are also known as the adenoids. The pharyngeal tonsils are basically clusters of lymphatic tissue that can be found in the back of the nose right above the roof of your mouth.

They are a lump of lymphoid tissue that comprises cells involved in killing off pathogenic beings. They are part of the immune system along with tonsils. However, unlike tonsils, they are not directly visible by looking at the back region of the throat. Much like other tonsils, the aim of Pharyngeal tonsils is to increase the capability of the lymphatic system against foreign organisms which enter the body through the nose and mouth and pass into the throat. In infants, inflammation of these tonsils acts as a natural defense against infections.

Pharyngeal tonsils undergo temporary swelling when trying to combat infection by trapping the infectious agents. Swelling reduces over a period of time when infection subsides. However, sometimes it remains enlarged even after infection reduces and other times pharyngeal tonsils themselves get infected, a condition known as adenoiditis.

Adenoiditis can result from infections caused by a number of viruses like rhinovirus, and Epstein-Barr virus, and adenovirus. Bacterial strains like Streptococcus can also cause infection. Allergies also cause enlargement of adenoids.

An enlargement of these tonsils, also called adenoid hypertrophy, can significantly block the airways and give rise to various health issues, such as snoring and breathing through the mouth.

Enlargement of these tonsils may also lead to other problems like: sinusitis, chronic colds, bronchitis, a sore throat or dry throat resulting from breathing through the mouth, difficulty in swallowing, sleeping disorders, stuffy and blocked nose.

The modern method of assessing tonsil hypertrophy is the endoscopic method using a fiberscope, i.e. a flexible, thin wire containing an optical fiber and ending with a camera, which is inserted through the nose or through the oral cavity, and the magnified image is visible on the monitor screen. The direct palpation method also is used in palatine tonsil removal.

The patient is qualified for surgery during an ENT consultation with our surgeon. On the day of the procedure, the patient reports to the Hospital Registration with a complete set of documents and tests.

During the first hours the patient should stay in bed in the supine position. They cannot take food or drink. After about 4 hours, he will be able to drink a small amount of liquid, and after another 2-3 hours, eat a light meal. After approx. 8 hours, the patient can be released home. In the following days, a sparring lifestyle is recommended, avoiding exercise, and an easily digestible diet.

Complications are extremely rare. Symptoms that require immediate medical attention include: breathing and cardiovascular abnormalities – rapid or shallow breathing, increased heart rate or a significantly slower, disturbed heart rhythm; disturbance of consciousness, speech, walking; profuse bleeding from the nose or mouth, fresh blood when cleaning the nose and when coughing up, grounds like vomiting; high temperature above 39 ° C, not responding to typical antipyretics, associated with pain and general weakness.