Tonsillectomy

Tonsil Surgery: The tonsils are small lymphoid tissues located on either side of the throat that serve as the first line of defense in our immune system. However, in some cases, the tonsils can become frequently infected or hypertrophic while performing their function, leading to serious health problems in both children and adults. In such instances, tonsil surgery (tonsillectomy) offers a definitive solution.

İstanbul’da kendi kliniğinde hizmet veren KBB Uzmanı Prof. Dr. Ozan Seymen, bademcik ameliyatı konusunda modern cerrahi teknikler ve bireyselleştirilmiş tedavi planları ile hastalarına sağlıklı bir yaşam kalitesi kazandırmaktadır.

Bu yazıda bademcik ameliyatı nedir, neden yapılır, nasıl uygulanır, kimler için uygundur, iyileşme süreci nasıldır gibi tüm detayları kapsamlı bir şekilde ele alacağız.

What Are the Tonsils and Their Functions?

The tonsils (tonsils) are lymphatic tissue structures that form a defense mechanism for the immune system against microbes entering through the mouth and nose.
Their main functions are:

• Recognizing invading pathogens and initiating an immune response
• Protecting the body against microbes, especially in childhood
• Acting as a barrier at the entrances of the respiratory and digestive tracts

However, when the tonsils become frequently infected or excessively enlarged, they can cause more harm than good.

What Are Tonsil Problems?

The most common tonsil problems include:

• Chronic tonsillitis: Experiencing 5–7 or more tonsil infections per year.
• Tonsillar hypertrophy: Excessive enlargement of the tonsils causing difficulty in breathing, swallowing, or speaking.
• Peritonsillar abscess: Infections around the tonsils requiring surgical intervention.
• Obstructive sleep apnea: Breathing pauses during sleep due to enlarged tonsils.

Prof. Dr. Ozan Seymen establishes the correct diagnosis by evaluating tonsil problems through a detailed ENT examination and patient history.

What Is Tonsil Surgery?

Tonsil surgery (tonsillectomy) is the surgical removal of diseased or excessively enlarged tonsils.
The goals are:

• Preventing recurrent infections
• Ensuring airway patency
• Improving sleep quality and overall quality of life

Tonsillectomy is one of the most frequently performed ENT surgeries and can be carried out very safely with modern techniques.

Why Is Tonsil Surgery Performed?

The main indications for tonsil surgery are:

• Experiencing five or more severe tonsil infections per year
• Chronic inflammation and persistent hypertrophy of the tonsils
• Sleep apnea and snoring
• Difficulty eating or swallowing
• History of tonsillar abscess
• Suspicion of a malignant mass

Especially in children, enlarged tonsils can adversely affect growth and development, making surgical intervention necessary.
Prof. Dr. Ozan Seymen bases the decision to operate on criteria such as the patient’s age, frequency of infections, impact on quality of life, and general health status.

Who Is a Candidate for Tonsil Surgery?

Suitable candidates for tonsillectomy include:

• Children and adults who suffer frequent tonsillitis
• Individuals with sleep apnea symptoms (snoring, night awakenings, daytime fatigue)
• Patients experiencing swallowing difficulties due to enlarged tonsils
• Those treated for tonsillar abscess
• Individuals with suspected tonsillar tumors

Prof. Dr. Ozan Seymen evaluates the necessity of surgery through a thorough clinical examination and laboratory tests.

How Is Tonsil Surgery Performed?

Tonsillectomy is usually performed under general anesthesia and takes approximately 30 to 45 minutes.
The operative steps are:

Anesthesia: The patient is put to sleep under general anesthesia.

Removal of tonsils: The tonsils are carefully extracted through the mouth using specialized surgical instruments.

Bleeding control: Any bleeding is promptly managed with modern surgical methods (electrocautery, radiofrequency, etc.).

Initiation of healing: No sutures are placed; the exposed area heals naturally over time.

Prof. Dr. Ozan Seymen employs the latest techniques and safety protocols to ensure a fast, safe, and comfortable surgery.

Postoperative Recovery After Tonsil Surgery

Recovery varies depending on age, overall health, and surgical technique, but generally follows this timeline:
First days: Sore throat, difficulty swallowing, mild ear pain, and low-grade fever may occur.

First week: Pain may persist and should be managed; adequate fluid intake and soft foods are essential.

10–14 days: The white fibrin layer in the throat gradually disappears, a normal sign of healing.

Full recovery: Approximately 2–3 weeks.

Prof. Dr. Ozan Seymen provides detailed post-operative care recommendations to ensure a smooth and rapid recovery.

Risks and Complications of Tonsil Surgery

As with any surgery, tonsillectomy carries some risks, though modern techniques have minimized them significantly.
Possible complications include:

• Bleeding (especially within the first 24 hours or around days 7–10)
• Infection
• Dehydration due to severe pain
• Temporary voice changes
• Rarely, palate numbness or nasal speech (hypernasality)

Prof. Dr. Ozan Seymen adheres to high safety standards at every stage to minimize these risks.

Dietary Recommendations After Tonsil Surgery

Proper nutrition aids healing and reduces pain:
Recommended:

• First days: Warm or cold liquids (water, apple juice, clear tea)
• First week: Pureed foods, yogurt, custard, ice cream

**Avoid:**

• Acidic beverages, hard, hot, and spicy foods

Staying well-hydrated keeps the throat moist and eases discomfort.
Prof. Dr. Ozan Seymen offers personalized diet and care plans for each patient.

Tonsil Surgery Costs

Fees vary based on several factors:

• Hospital and technology used
• Type of anesthesia and anesthesiologist services
• Patient’s age and health status
• Surgical technique (traditional, cautery, radiofrequency, etc.)
• Surgeon’s experience and expertise

In İstanbul, Prof. Dr. Ozan Seymen provides transparent, customized pricing that typically includes preoperative consultation, surgery fees, anesthesia, hospital stay (if needed), and follow-up visits.

Is Tonsil Surgery Painful?

Throat pain is normal during recovery but can be well-controlled with pain medications.

Will My Speech Be Affected After Surgery?

Temporary mild voice changes may occur but generally resolve within weeks.

Can Tonsils Grow Back After Surgery?

No—since the tonsils are completely removed, regrowth or reinfection is not possible.

When Can I Resume Exercise After Surgery?

Avoid strenuous activity for 2–3 weeks; resume sports only with your doctor’s approval.

When Can I Return to a Normal Diet?

You can gradually resume a normal diet around days 10–14 post-surgery.
Tonsillectomy is an effective, lasting solution for recurrent infections, breathing difficulties, and quality-of-life impairments caused by enlarged tonsils. With modern surgical techniques and expert care, the procedure is both safe and comfortable.

İstanbul’da kendi kliniğinde hizmet veren KBB Uzmanı Prof. Dr. Ozan Seymen, bademcik ameliyatı uygulamalarında bilimsel bilgi birikimi, modern cerrahi deneyimi ve hasta odaklı yaklaşımı ile hastalarına sağlıklı bir yaşam kalitesi sunmaktadır.

If you suffer from tonsil-related health issues and wish to enjoy a more comfortable life, contact Prof. Dr. Ozan Seymen for detailed information and a personalized treatment plan.