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Suggest Treatment For Recurring Bouts Of Tonsillitis

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Posted on Thu, 23 Feb 2017
Question: My 21-year-old son has had frequent acute tonsillitis for the past few years, averaging 4-5 times per year. He went to an ENT specialist asking about treatments, specifically a somnoplasty vs. the much more involved tonsillectomy. The doctor told him the somnoplasty does not work to treat acute tonsillitis, and he would be much better off getting a tonsillectomy. He and I are worried about the dangers and long recovery time of a tonsillectomy. Why do people get a somnoplasty if not to cure recurring bouts of tonsillitis? Are there any other treatments that may work? Why would a tonsillectomy be better? Should we get a second opinion? Thank you for your time and consideration of these questions.
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Answered by Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (8 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Tonsillectomy would be the right choice.

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Thank you for posting the query

1. Somnoplasty is done to treat obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome and snoring. Whereas, tonsillectomy is done to treat chronic tonsillitis. Somnoplasty does include tonsillectomy followed by apposition of both tonsillar pillars and trimming of the uvula. A simple removal of the tonsils is sufficient enough to surgically treat chronic tonsillitis.

2. I strongly feel, your doctor is right in advising simple tonsillectomy.

3. Do not worry! Tonsillectomy is a very simple and commonest surgery done in ENT practice. Unlike in children, in adults, there will be pain for a period of 7-10 days, post surgery and this would be taken care of by your doctor with adequate analgesics.

4. I don't think so you would require a second opinion.

Hope this answers your query; revert back to me if you have any follow up queries.

Regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar N
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon
Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng
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Answered by
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Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty

Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist

Practicing since :2001

Answered : 2540 Questions

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Suggest Treatment For Recurring Bouts Of Tonsillitis

Brief Answer: Tonsillectomy would be the right choice. Detailed Answer: Hi Thank you for posting the query 1. Somnoplasty is done to treat obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome and snoring. Whereas, tonsillectomy is done to treat chronic tonsillitis. Somnoplasty does include tonsillectomy followed by apposition of both tonsillar pillars and trimming of the uvula. A simple removal of the tonsils is sufficient enough to surgically treat chronic tonsillitis. 2. I strongly feel, your doctor is right in advising simple tonsillectomy. 3. Do not worry! Tonsillectomy is a very simple and commonest surgery done in ENT practice. Unlike in children, in adults, there will be pain for a period of 7-10 days, post surgery and this would be taken care of by your doctor with adequate analgesics. 4. I don't think so you would require a second opinion. Hope this answers your query; revert back to me if you have any follow up queries. Regards Dr. Naveen Kumar N ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon