Pediatric Tonsillectomy and Adenoidectomy
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Otolaryngology Referrals
Many children have health issues that require the removal of their tonsils, adenoids or both. We know you are the ultimate protector of your children’s health, which is why Rady Children’s Health in Orange County (Formerly CHOC) works with you to determine what’s best for your child. We provide cutting edge tonsil treatments like tonsillotomy designed to decrease your child’s discomfort and increase their recovery speed.
What are tonsils and adenoids?
Tonsils
The tonsils are part of the body’s immune system. Specifically, they are two oval-shaped masses of tissue in the back of the throat that trap germs that could enter the body’s airway and cause an infection. Tonsils also produce antibodies to fight infection. Sometimes, they get infected and swollen, and lead to a condition common in kids called tonsillitis.
Adenoids
The adenoids are small pads of lymphoid tissue like tonsils, located in the upper portion of the throat, behind the nose. They serve a similar purpose as the tonsils. According to Dr. Ahuja, a board-certified ENT specialist at Rady Children’s Health, both the adenoids and tonsils are removed in most cases when tonsillectomy is performed for obstruction or blockage.
When should tonsils be removed?
Sleep Apnea, Obstructed Breathing, & Infection
The primary reason for tonsil removal in children is obstruction or difficulty breathing, sleep-disordered breathing or sleep apnea. The second reason is the recurring infection.
Tonsils may need to be removed if a child experiences a significant number of tonsil infections in a short period of time (at least seven in one year), or regular tonsil infections over a period of years (at least three a year for three or more years).
Additionally, these infections must be accompanied by one or more of the following features:
- A fever of 101 F or above
- A strep throat infection confirmed on a swab from the throat
; - White coating on the tonsils
- Large lymph nodes
- Mouth sores
Surgery should be considered only when necessary, so your doctor may recommend pain relievers, antibiotics, and/or bed rest to treat tonsil infection. However, if your pediatrician believes further treatment is necessary, connect with one of our Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) specialists.
What is the difference between a tonsillectomy and a tonsillotomy?
A tonsillectomy is one of the most common procedures performed on children in the United States. In this surgery, the tonsils are completely removed, exposing the muscles surrounding the throat. Children with swollen tonsils often also have swollen adenoids. Your doctor may recommend removal of their adenoids as well, known as an adenoidectomy.
The ENT team at Rady Children’s Health in Orange County offers tonsillotomy as an alternative surgery. In this procedure, also known as intracapsular tonsillectomy (IT), the swollen portion of the tonsils. If necessary, the adenoids are also removed, but the base (capsule) is left behind to cover the muscles surrounding the throat.
In contrast to a traditional tonsillectomy, an IT procedure involves much less surgical recovery pain, lower risk of bleeding after surgery, an earlier return to regular diet and fewer additional hospital visits due to dehydration.
To learn if intracapsular tonsillectomy is the right choice for your child, please make an appointment.
What can I expect from a tonsillectomy, adenoidectomy, or a tonsillotomy?
- Your child should not eat or drink for 4-8 hours before surgery
- Your may need to stop taking certain medications 24-48 hours before surgery
- Your child will be placed under general anesthesia for the duration of the procedure
- This procedure will take 30-45min to complete
- Tonsil removal is typically an outpatient procedure, meaning your child will be able to go home the same day as the surgery
- For post-operative discomfort and pain, we recommend Tylenol and Motrin for two days post-surgery, then as needed
- Some bleeding is possible after surgery when the scab heals and falls off
- Ensure your child is getting regular fluids after surgery to avoid dehydration
- Your child can eat regular food after the surgery; however, we recommend avoiding spicy food and crunchy food with sharp edges until they have recovered (1-2 weeks)
- Your child should avoid vigorous activity for 1-2 weeks after surgery
For more in-depth instructions regarding your child’s procedure, check our guidelines for tonsillectomy.
Frequently Asked Question
Do tonsils regrow?
The regrowth rate of intracapsular tonsillectomy at Rady Children’s Health in Orange County is 0.5-1%.
Has this procedure been practiced in other places
Intracapsular tonsillectomy is growing in popularity in the United States. Elsewhere in the world such as Sweden, this procedure is the preferred method of tonsil removal.
Does my child need pain medication after this procedure?
Usually children will require only over-the-counter pain medication for a few days after surgery. Some children do not even require any pain medication.
How old does my child have to be for intracapsular tonsillectomy?
There are no age restrictions for this procedure.
Tonsillectomy and Tonsillotomy Locations
Already have an appointment scheduled? Use the map below for directions to your child’s visit.
Center for Children’s Health
CHOC Health Center, Mission Medical Tower