In 2000, the Federal Food and Drug Administration approved an operation that could be used as an alternative to tonsillectomy to completely remove the tonsils. The new technology, called somnoplasty, shrinks the tonsils by using a fine needle electrode inserted into the tonsil. The needle emits an energy wave that burns the tonsil tissue and kills the cells. Then the tonsils begin to shrink and try to reduce everything.
The doctor examined the child's tonsils and the mother sat behind her. (Source: gpointstudio / iStock / Getty Images) This procedure does not bring many of the debilitating side effects of tonsillectomy. Tonsillectomy usually makes it difficult for patients to swallow after surgery for two weeks. This ewer program takes only one hour to complete and can be done with a local anesthetic. It has been shown to reduce bleeding and postoperative pain, which may be the result of traditional tonsillectomy.
If you feel that you may be a candidate for this procedure, please consult your doctor.
] In 2000, the Federal Food and Drug Administration approved an operation as an alternative to tonsillectomy to completely remove the tonsils. The new technology, called somnoplasty, shrinks the tonsils by using a fine needle electrode inserted into the tonsil. The needle emits an energy wave that burns the tonsil tissue and kills the cells. Then the tonsils begin to shrink and try to reduce everything.
This procedure does not carry many of the debilitating side effects of tonsillectomy. Tonsillectomy usually makes it difficult for patients to swallow after surgery for two weeks. This newer program takes only an hour to complete and can be done with a local anesthetic. It has been shown to reduce bleeding and postoperative pain, which may be the result of traditional tonsillectomy.
If you feel that you may be a candidate for this procedure, please contact your doctor.
