Question 1

how horrible is a tonsillectomy for older adults?

Accepted Answer

Not Horrible: It is a routine surgery with some rare complications like bleeding and infection
But it is not a horrible surgery

Question 2

what should i expect after an adult tonsillectomy?

Accepted Answer

Pain: That is the most frequent issue in postoperative recovery despite modern techniques like coblation tonsillectomy, using radiofrequency energy. You will have trouble eating anything solid for at least a week. You will need to drink plenty of fluids and get creative with nutrition during recovery, taking sustacal or other similar supplements. You will get through it and it usually is worth it.

Question 3

what foods do adults get after having a tonsillectomy?

Accepted Answer

Same as kids: If you've had your tonsils completely out, you have a raw surface in your mouth.  We tell people to eat a soft diet with minimal chewing so that there is less risk of encouraging bleeding from the raw muscle in the back of the throat.  Concentrate on making sure you get enough fluids since that's way more important in the beginning.  Also, don't forget your pain medication!

Question 4

how long is recovery from a tonsillectomy as an adult?

Accepted Answer

Tonsillectomy postop: Adult recovery from tonsillectomy ranges from 1-2 weeks. Recovery depends on tonsillectomy technique, pain tolerance, underlying health issues and reason for tonsillectomy. It is important to follow your surgeon's recommendations as to diet, activity and medications during the post operative course.

Question 5

how long does it take an adult to recover from a tonsilectomy?

Accepted Answer

A loaded question..: It is a rather simple but relatively loaded question...Typical recovery would be around 1-2 wks..The ability of the person to heal, the complexity of the surgery/how extensive, comorbid illness such as diabetes/medication use etc..Can influence healing/recovery etc...If u are generally healthy, u may feel quite well after a week..Consult your doc..Ask lots of questions..Good luck.

Question 6

why is having a tonsilectomy harder as an adult than as a child?

Accepted Answer

Tonsillectomy Pain: It is not. The pain is the same, it is how one copes with the pain that is different.

Question 7

why woulda tonsillectomy on a child be less risky than an adult?

Accepted Answer

Easier for kids : The younger you are at tonsillectomy, the better you seem to do.  Younger kids vs teens, teens vs 20's, 20's vs 30's... The older ones seem to have a worse recovery with longer duration of pain.  Sometimes it is because there has been a longer time for scar tissue to build up.  Smoking and other medical comorbidities like high blood pressure can also make healing slower or bleeding more likely.

Question 8

why is a tonsillectomy more complicated for adults than children?

Accepted Answer

Hard to say. : In my experience, both adults and children typically have a rough time, although it is true that more children than adults do well. A personal theory is that the larger raw areas typically present in adult throats after tonsillectomy make the surgery more painful. Pain medication dosing may also be inaccurate for adults, as similar doses are often prescribed for a 110 lb woman and a 220 lb man.

Question 9

why does a child have less complications with a tonsillectomy than an adult?

Accepted Answer

Kids heal faster: Adults who ultimately undergo tonsillectomy have often had a lifetime of infections.  Because of this, their surgery can be more difficult and require more dissection and caudery which will result in more pain.  The dissection is children is usually easier and less caudery is required.

Question 10

why are there less complications for a child than a adult with a tonsillectomy?

Accepted Answer

There aren't : Adults seem to have more discomfort after tonsillectomy.  I think this is partially because adults have more infection and subsequent scarring than children, but also because adults are more effective complainers than children.
:)  discuss with your ENT for a detailed explanation of the expected recovery after tonsillectomy and the risks of surgery.

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Doctor answers about:

Tonsilectomy for adults

A member asked:

How horrible is a tonsillectomy for older adults?

A member asked:

What should i expect after an adult tonsillectomy?

A member asked:

What foods do adults get after having a tonsillectomy?

A member asked:

How long is recovery from a tonsillectomy as an adult?

A member asked:

How long does it take an adult to recover from a tonsilectomy?

A member asked:

Why is having a tonsilectomy harder as an adult than as a child?

A member asked:

Why woulda tonsillectomy on a child be less risky than an adult?

A member asked:

Why is a tonsillectomy more complicated for adults than children?

A member asked:

Why does a child have less complications with a tonsillectomy than an adult?

A member asked:

Why are there less complications for a child than a adult with a tonsillectomy?

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