Tonsils / Adenoids

Tonsil Infections

Acute Tonsillitis

Peritonsillitis (Quinsy)

• Acute tonsillitis is a common condition seen and if complicated, a peritonsillitis can result which may lead to a peritonsillitis abscess (Quinsy). This would require surgical drainage in addition to intensive medical therapy.
• Hypertrophic tonsils are common causes of upper airway obstruction causing sleep apnea and snoring.

Tonsil Obstruction

Adenoidal Hypertrophy / Infections

Adenoidal Enlargement

Adenoidal Hyoertrophy seen on lateral neck X-ray

• Adenoidal hypertrophy and obstruction is a common cause for snoring, sleep apnea syndrome and ‘glue’ ears.

The Peak / Coblation Tonsillectomy

PEAK Tonsillectomy
(Video credits Humedical)

• Tonsillectomy used to be done by unipolar, or bipolar diathermy.
• Even a LASER has been used.
• But these techniques are performed at high temperatures causing excessive pain & swelling post operatively.
• With PEAK tonsillectomy, the temperatures used are much lower leading to less collateral damage.
• Hence post operative pain is less.
• The COBLATOR Tonsillectomy is another alternative technique to minimalise co-lateral damage and post-operative pain.