Life Healthcare is a leading private hospital operator in South Africa and primarily serves the market for privately insured individuals, representing approximately eight million people. The group provides mainly acute care, high technology private hospital services.
Nelson Mandela Academic Hospital is a large Provincial government funded hospital situated in central Mthatha in South Africa. It is a tertiary teaching hospital and forms part of the Mthatha Hospital Complex.
The extensive hospital network includes 64 hospitals (of which 57 are majority owned by Life Healthcare and another seven in which the group holds substantial minority ownership), providing a range of healthcare services throughout South Africa.
What is Tonsillectomy?
Tonsillectomy is a surgical procedure to remove the tonsils. It is often performed along with adenoidectomy, which is a surgical procedure to remove the adenoid glands. Tonsillectomy helps in removing recurrent throat infections. It lessens severe throat infections for a minimum of two years.
How is Tonsillectomy performed?
A small tool is inserted into the mouth to keep it open.
The tongue is depressed to view the throat.
The tonsils are then removed with a surgical instrument.
The cuts do not require stitches.
How to prepare for Tonsillectomy?
Any bleeding disorder should be controlled before the surgery.
If the patient has acute tonsillitis, it should be treated before tonsillectomy. Tonsillectomy may be postponed for three to four weeks in case of treatment.
The patient will go though a complete physical examination.
The patient will need to do some blood tests.
The doctor should be informed about any medication that the patient is taking, including herbs and vitamins.
The patient will be asked to take certain medication about 10 days before surgery.
If the patient needs to take medication, it can be taken with a small amount of water
About Tonsillectomy
Key facts to plan your treatment: how long it takes, your hospital stay, anaesthesia, risks and recovery.
Days admitted
Tonsillectomy is usually done as an outpatient procedure. On rare occasions children may be kept overnight in the hospital for observation.
Anesthesia
General Anesthesia. Sometimes adults may be given local anesthesia.
Recovery
- The patient is taken to the recovery room and kept there until the effects of anesthesia wears off.
- The patient’s vital signs are monitored.
- The patient is made to lie down on the side to avoid any chance of aspiration of blood into the lungs.
- A complete recovery will take approximately one to two weeks.
- The patient will be affected with a sore throat for several days.
- White scab will form in the throat for five to 10 days after the surgery.
Risks
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Injury to the uvula
- Nasal sounding voice
- Risks of anesthesia such as adverse reaction to medication and breathing difficulty
After care
- The patient should stay away from sick people to avoid chances of infection.
- Antibiotics and pain medication should be taken to relieve sore throat.
- The patient should take liquid food or food that is soft for 24 hours after the surgery.
- The patient should avoid strenuous physical activities for about 10 days.
- The doctor should be informed if the patient has bleeding, earache or fever for more than three days.
Hospital Group
Hospital Group
Private Hospital
Private Hospital