| If you've ever experienced the discomfort and | | | | removal of the stone, pulsating irrigation (water |
| embarrassment of tonsil stones, you may be | | | | treatment), laser cryptolysis, and complete adenoid |
| wondering if adenoid removal would be beneficial for | | | | removal, which is the most aggressive of the |
| you. With removal of the tonsils and associated | | | | treatment options. |
| structures seemingly so common, many sufferers of | | | | Adenoidectomy involves the total removal of the |
| tonsilloliths, or tonsil stones, consider surgery an | | | | adenoid glands. The surgery is performed under |
| attractive option. | | | | general anesthesia. Adenoid removal may involve the |
| Tonsil stones are often felt as a mass or glob of | | | | use of a curette to remove the tissue or a |
| "something" stuck or caught in the back of the | | | | microdebrider followed by cauterization. A packing |
| throat. Sufferers may initially suspect that a piece of | | | | with gauze or similar material may be employed to |
| food is lodged in the throat. A closer inspection of | | | | control bleeding. |
| the mouth structures may reveal tonsil stones, | | | | While the appropriate treatment is best determined |
| pale-colored masses embedded in the pitted surface | | | | by individual examination and consultation, signs that |
| of the tonsil or adenoid. Infection and bad breath | | | | may point to a need for surgical treatment include |
| may accompany the stones. | | | | snoring, difficult breathing, and sleep apnea. Often |
| Treatment for tonsilloliths may vary with the severity | | | | adenoid removal is not considered unless the |
| of the condition and the preferences of the health | | | | condition is both recurrent and interferes with the |
| care professional providing treatment. Available | | | | patient's ability to function normally. |
| options include self-removal with a curette, surgical | | | | |