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Oral Cavity and Oropharyngeal Procedures Patient Awareness Guide

This guide has been prepared to help patients and their attendants understand the common procedures performed in the oral cavity and oropharynx. It includes the reasons for surgery, preparation before the operation, basic steps of the procedure, and care after surgery. The information is simplified for awareness purposes

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Tonsillectomy (Removal of Tonsils)

Purpose:  For recurrent tonsillitis, obstructive sleep apnea, or enlarged tonsils causing difficulty in swallowing or breathing.

Preoperative Preparation

  • Routine blood tests and throat examination.
  • Anesthesia fitness checkup.
  • Avoid eating or drinking for 6–8 hours before surgery.

Operation Details

  • Procedure is done under general anesthesia.
  • Tonsils are removed through the mouth without external cuts.
  • Surgery usually takes 30–45 minutes.

Post operative Care

  • Throat pain for 7–10 days is expected.
  • Soft, cold diet recommended (ice cream, yogurt, juices).
  • Avoid spicy, hot, or hard foods.
  • Mild fever may occur; bleeding should be reported immediately.

Adenoidectomy (Removal of Adenoids)

Purpose:  For recurrent nasal obstruction, ear infections, snoring, or sleep apnea in children.

Preoperative Preparation

  • ENT examination and possible X-ray or nasoendoscopy.
  • Anesthesia evaluation.
  • Fasting for 6–8 hours before surgery.

Operation Details

  • Performed under general anesthesia.
  • Adenoids are removed through the mouth using special instruments.
  • Takes about 20–30 minutes.

Post operative Care

  • Mild sore throat or nasal blockage may occur for a few days.
  • Normal diet can usually be resumed soon after surgery.
  • Avoid very hot foods or drinks for 2–3 days.

Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP)

Purpose:  For treatment of obstructive sleep apnea or severe snoring by enlarging the airway.

Preoperative Preparation

  • Sleep study (polysomnography).
  • General blood tests and anesthesia assessment.
  • Fasting 6–8 hours before operation.

Operation Details

  • Done under general anesthesia.
  • Involves trimming of uvula, part of the soft palate, and sometimes tonsils.
  • Surgery time around 1–2 hours.

Post operative Care

  • Throat pain is expected for 1–2 weeks.
  • Soft, cool diet and good hydration recommended.
  • Avoid strenuous activity for 2 weeks.
  • Report if severe bleeding occurs.

Tongue Tie Release (Frenectomy)

Purpose:  For infants and children with tongue-tie (ankyloglossia) causing speech or feeding difficulty.

Preoperative Preparation

  • Oral cavity examination.
  • In infants, usually no extensive preparation required.
  • In older children, anesthesia assessment is done.

Operation Details

  • Frenulum (tight band under tongue) is cut under local or general anesthesia.
  • Procedure takes only a few minutes.

Post operative Care

  • Minor discomfort for 1–2 days.
  • Normal feeding and speech exercises recommended.
  • Rarely, mild bleeding may occur.

Cleft Palate Repair (Palatoplasty)

Purpose:  For children born with cleft palate to improve speech, swallowing, and feeding.

Preoperative Preparation

  • Evaluation by ENT surgeon and speech therapist.
  • Blood tests and anesthesia checkup.
  • Child kept fasting before surgery.

Operation Details

  • Done under general anesthesia.
  • The cleft in the palate is surgically closed with local tissues.
  • Takes about 1–2 hours.

Post operative Care

  • Soft diet for 2 weeks.
  • Good oral hygiene is essential to prevent infection.
  • Speech therapy follow-up is required.
  • Avoid hard or sharp foods until complete healing.

Excision/Biopsy of Oral Lesions

Purpose:  For diagnosis or treatment of suspicious ulcers, growths, or white/red patches in the mouth.

Preoperative Preparation

  • Oral examination and sometimes imaging tests.
  • Blood tests as required.
  • Fasting may be advised depending on anesthesia type.

Operation Details

  • Performed under local or general anesthesia.
  • A small piece (biopsy) or complete lesion (excision) is removed.
  • Usually takes 15–30 minutes.

Post operative Care

  • Mild pain or swelling may occur for a few days.
  • Soft diet and good oral hygiene advised.
  • Pathology report usually available in 1 week.
  • Follow-up required for further treatment if needed.

Drainage of Peritonsillar Abscess

Purpose:  For patients with severe throat infection (quinsy) causing pus collection beside tonsil.

Preoperative Preparation

  • Throat examination and blood tests.
  • IV fluids and antibiotics started before surgery.

Operation Details

  • Done under local or general anesthesia.
  • A small cut is made to drain the pus.
  • Sometimes followed by tonsillectomy later.

Post operative Care

  • Immediate relief of pain and swelling.
  • Continue antibiotics and hydration.
  • Monitor for recurrence.

Minor Oral Procedures (e.g., Mucocele Removal, Dental Abscess Drainage)

Purpose:  For small swellings or infections in the mouth.

Preoperative Preparation

  • Oral examination by ENT or dental surgeon.
  • Basic blood tests if needed.

Operation Details

  • Usually done under local anesthesia.
  • The cyst or abscess is opened and removed.
  • Takes 10–20 minutes.

Post operative Care

  • Mild swelling or discomfort for 1–2 days.
  • Soft diet and proper oral care recommended.
  • Regular follow-up to check for recurrence.