There may be a time when medical therapy (antibiotics) fails to resolve the chronic tonsillar infections that affect your child. In other cases, your child may have enlarged tonsils, causing loud snoring, upper airway obstruction and other sleep disorders. The best recourse for both these conditions may be removal or reduction of the tonsils and adenoids.
Guidelines for Removing Tonsils
The American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery guidelines for tonsillectomy in patients 18 and younger recommend that tonsillectomy for recurrent tonsillitis can be considered when there are seven episodes of strep pharyngitis in a year, five in a year two years in a row or three per year for three years in a row. Tonsillectomy is also recommended for children with large tonsils causing sleep apnea. This is usually diagnosed by witnessed apneas (episodes of stopped breathing) by parents or caregivers, or a positive sleep study.
Extracapsular Tonsillectomy vs. Intracapsular Tonsillectomy
Our team at Dubuque ENT will partner to determine which tonsillectomy procedure will result in the most effective patient outcomes. Also known as a total tonsillectomy, an extracapsular tonsillectomy removes the tonsils in their entirety.
An intracapsular tonsillectomy takes the tonsils out without removing any of the surrounding tissue. This protects the muscle underneath the tonsils, meaning that fewer nerves and blood vessels are exposed.
An extracapsular tonsillectomy removes the tonsils in their entirety leaving no surrounding tissue. Recovery time can be slightly longer with this procedure due to being more invasive. Your provider will make a medical recommendation based on your unique situation.
At Dubuque ENT, Dr. Thomas J. Benda and Dr. Daniel J. Givens have extensive experience with both intracapsular and extracapsular tonsillectomies. Both providers are certified by the American Board of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery and are a fellow of the American Academy of Otolaryngology/Head & Neck Surgery.
Benefits of Intracapsular Tonsillectomy
“After performing more than 20 intracapsular tonsillectomy procedures at Dubuque ENT, I am very confident in not only the patient outcomes associated with this procedure, but also the reduction in pain and speedier recovery time for young patients.”
Thomas Benda MD, FACS, FAAOA
Studies have found that compared to its traditional counterpart, an intracapsular tonsillectomy offers:
- Less pain
- Reduced use of narcotics
- Reduced risk of bleeding after the operation
- Faster recovery time and return to regular activities and diet
Intracapsular tonsillectomy does present a small risk of tonsil regrowth after time. Over the last 15 years, studies indicate about 1.5% of patients who receive this procedure require a repeat tonsillectomy compared to .5% of patients who receive a traditional tonsillectomy.
Our physicians and the Dubuque ENT team will partner with your family to determine whether this procedure is the best fit for you or your child and ensure they receive optimal and empathetic care.
Recovery from Tonsillectomy
Typically, children after tonsillectomy are fully recovered from surgery within two weeks. Most children are treated as outpatients. Children under three are kept longer and sometimes overnight. You should plan on taking at least 10 days off work or school to ensure optimal recovery.
Our team will guide you through what to expect after the procedure. Difficulty swallowing, vomiting, fever, throat pain and ear pain are common after surgery. We will recommend ways to manage this discomfort, such as over-the-counter pain medications, along with the dietary guidelines you should follow. You should notify your surgeon if you experience any bleeding. For more information about postoperative instructions and care, click here.
Call Dubuque ENT at (563) 588-0506 for more information or to schedule an appointment.