What is lingual tonsillectomy?

What is lingual tonsillectomy?

Lingual tonsillectomy involves removal of the bulk of the lingual tonsil in order to enlarge the airway behind the tongue. This procedure is performed in the operating room under general anesthesia, and it is performed by working through the open mouth without any external incisions.

Is it safe to take out lingual tonsils?

Lingual tonsils are tissue that is part of the immune system at the back of the tongue (lingua). Removing them (lingual tonsillectomy) does not affect the body’s ability to fight infection.

How do you get lingual tonsils?

The lingual tonsils are often best visualized with the tongue protruded,1,6,7 but this is not true in all patients. Therefore lingual tonsils should be examined while the patient is awake with the tongue in multiple positions.

What is the function of the lingual tonsil?

Like other lymphatic tissues, the function of lingual tonsils is to prevent infections. These tonsils contain B and T lymphocytes which get activated when harmful bacteria and viruses come in contact with tonsils.

When does tongue swelling go down after tonsillectomy?

This swelling usually lasts 5-7 days after surgery. Begin with clear liquids immediately after surgery and increase to full liquids such as soup or broth with soft diet often by dinner time the day of surgery.

How common is lingual tonsillitis?

Lingual tonsillitis is a rare cause of sore throat. Two-thirds of patients are reported to have a history of palatine tonsillectomy or adenoidectomy (1). Lingual tonsillitis can be overlooked because the lingual tonsils cannot be visualized on routine intraoral examination.

What is the difference between lingual tonsils and tonsils?

The palatine tonsils are the ones that are located near the opening of the oral cavity into the pharynx. Lingual tonsils are located on the posterior surface of the tongue, which also places them near the opening of the oral cavity into the pharynx.

What are the possible complications of a tonsillectomy?

Several complications can occur with a tonsillectomy and include bleeding, velopharyngeal insufficiency, and dehydration. This activity describes the indications, contraindications, and technique involved in performing tonsillectomy and highlights the role of the interprofessional team in managing these patients before and after surgery.

What are the signs and symptoms of lingual tonsillitis?

Lingual tonsillitis can cause various signs and symptoms including nocturnal or supine cough, constant discomfort in the throat, glossal pain, and otalgia. Most patients with lingual tonsillitis have already had palatine tonsillectomy. A lingual tonsil may be visible only by using a laryngeal mirror.

What happens if you have your tongue pulled out for surgery?

Your doctor pulls out your tongue with the lingual tonsil held tightly. The doctor uses a laser to remove lingual tonsil in order to reduce bleeding. If you have a loose or decayed tooth, the tooth may be damaged during surgery. Nerves in the tongue can also be injured during this procedure.

What does tonsillectomy mean in medical terms?

Inflamed tonsils Tonsillectomy (ton-sih-LEK-tuh-me) is the surgical removal of the tonsils, two oval-shaped pads of tissue at the back of the throat — one tonsil on each side. A tonsillectomy was once a common procedure to treat infection and inflammation of the tonsils (tonsillitis).