The Procedure

In children, removal of either the tonsils or the adenoids requires a general anesthetic. In adults the tonsils often may be removed under local anesthesia.

• The mouth is held open to expose the tonsils.

• The tonsils are grasped with clamps and pulled toward the middle of the mouth. The tonsils are removed by gentle dissection of the surrounding tissues.

• Bleeding is controlled either by pressure, sutures, clamps or ties, or with use of electrocautery, a procedure in which heat is applied to blood vessels to seal the ends that have been cut during surgery.

• If the adenoids are to be removed, this is done using a specially designed instrument that passes through the mouth and into the upper part of the throat behind the nose, where the adenoids lie.

How Long Is The Stay In The Hospital?

Increasingly, tonsil and adenoid surgery is being performed on an outpatient basis early in the day, with the patient leaving the hospital that evening. However, some surgeons prefer to have the patient remain in the hospital overnight, so they can deal with any immediate complications more promptly and effectively.