Tonsillectomy in Children: When and Why It May Be Needed
Tonsillectomy, the surgical removal of the tonsils, is a common procedure for children. For many parents, understanding this operation is key to making informed health decisions for their kids. The procedure can seem daunting, but knowing why it’s performed, how it is done, and the risks involved can empower parents to choose the best option for their child.
Tonsillectomy is often recommended for children who suffer from frequent throat infections, sleep problems, or may have difficulty swallowing due to enlarged tonsils. If your child has had tonsillitis more than seven times in a year, or five times in two consecutive years, surgery may be considered to reduce future infections and improve overall health.
Enlarged tonsils can also cause sleep-disordered breathing, including obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), which leads to snoring, daytime sleepiness, and irritability. If your child has these symptoms, tonsillectomy may help restore restful sleep.
In some cases, children with enlarged tonsils may struggle to swallow, leading to poor nutrition or weight loss. Surgery can resolve these difficulties and help improve growth.
There are two main surgical methods: **Intracapsular Tonsillectomy**, which involves removing the tonsils while sparing the surrounding tissue for quicker recovery, less pain and bleeding, and **Dissection Tonsillectomy**, which removes the tonsils fully, offering a lower risk of recurrence but with a higher risk of bleeding and longer recovery time.
While tonsillectomy carries risks like pain, bleeding and infection, most children recover well with appropriate care. Discussing your child’s symptoms with an ENT consultant will help determine the best approach for their needs.