Tonsil and Adenoid Surgery
Tonsils and Adenoids
The Tonsils are two masses of tissue found on either side of the back of the throat. The Adenoids are located high in the throat, behind the nose and roof of the mouth. Together they form part of the ring of glandular tissue at the back of the throat. The tonsils and adenoids assist the body in defending against infection by "sampling" entering bacteria and viruses and becoming infected themselves. They then help form antibodies to resist and fight future infections. Unfortunately, the tonsils and adenoids often become susceptible to recurrent bacterial infections and can even trigger airway obstruction.
Common problems afflicting the tonsils and adenoids include:
- Chronic tonsillitis - Persistent or recurrent infection of the tonsils.
- Peri-tonsillar abscess - A collection of pus behind the tonsils that can lead to life-threatening complications if left untreated.
- Chronic adenitis - Persistent or recurrent infection of the adenoids.
- Enlargement (hypertrophy) of tonsils and adenoids, which can obstruct breathing and lead to sleep irregularities, among other problems.
Treatment
Bacterial infections of the tonsils and adenoids can be treated with various antibiotics. Surgical removal is considered when infections are resistant to medical therapy or frequently recur. "Frequent recurrence" is loosely defined as 5 episodes in a given year; 4 episodes per year for a two year period or 3 episodes per year for a three year period. Surgical removal of enlarged tonsils or adenoids is also considered in patients suffering from breathing or sleeping difficulty due to enlargement of the tonsils and /or adenoids. Surgical removal of the tonsils or adenoids does not decrease immunity or increase risk of future infection.
Tonsillectomy
Tonsillectomy is the surgical removal of the tonsils. Tonsillectomy is reserved for patients who have:
- Chronic or recurrent tonsil infections resistant to medical (antibiotic) therapy.
- Enlarged tonsils causing breathing or sleep irregularities (snoring, obstructive sleep apnea).
There are a variety of techniques to remove tonsils including:
- Cold knife Tonsillectomy
- Cautery Tonsillectomy
- Coblation Tonsillectomy
- Powered intracapsular tonsillectomy
All techniques are effective in removing the tonsils. The technique used to remove the tonsils depends on the patient's anatomy, history of prior infection or abscess, the underlying process and patient preference. Tonsillectomy is usually done on an outpatient basis. Most patients go home an hour after the surgery.
Dr. Zadeh has extensive experience and knowledge to formulate and execute the most appropriate surgical plan to remove the tonsils. Surgery is reserved for patients where it is the most effective and appropriate treatment. He has extensive knowledge of the anatomy and function of the structures in this region, and utilizes state-of-the-art, minimally surgical techniques.
Adenoidectomy
Adenoidectomy is the surgical removal of the adenoids. Adenoidectomy is reserved for patients who have:
- Chronic or recurrent adenoid infections resistant to medical (antibiotic) therapy.
- Enlarged adenoids causing nasal obstruction or sleep irregularities (snoring, obstructive sleep apnea).
There are a variety of techniques to remove adenoids including:
- Curette adenoidectomy
- Coblation adenoidectomy
- Power-assisted adenoidectomy
All techniques are effective in removing the adenoids. The technique used to remove the adenoids depends on the patient's anatomy, history of prior infection, the underlying process and patient preference. Adenoidectomy is usually done on an outpatient basis. Most patients go home an hour after the surgery.
Dr. Zadeh has extensive experience and knowledge to formulate and execute the most appropriate surgical plan to remove the Adenoids. Surgery is reserved for patients where it is the most effective and appropriate treatment. He has extensive knowledge of the anatomy and function of the structures in this region, and utilizes state-of-the-art, minimally surgical techniques.
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To schedule an appointment with Dr. Zadeh, please contact:
Mani H. Zadeh, M.D., F.A.C.S.
2080 Century Park East
Suite 1700
Los Angeles, CA 90067
Tel: (310) 201-0717
Fax: (310) 201-9665
Email: info@ZadehMD.com
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