What Are Granulated Tonsils?

Granulated tissue is connective tissue that forms to heal an open wound. This is the reddish or dark pink skin that forms as a scab heals. The same process occurs when the tonsils are removed, although it can be lengthier and more uncomfortable than the recovery from most wounds. A person with granulated tonsils simply has had his tonsils removed, and the new tissue is forming in his mouth.

Tonsils

• The tonsils are lymphoid tissues found hanging in the back of the throat. Their function is to help the immune system by keeping various bacteria and viruses from entering the body. While helpful, they often have to be removed and the removal will have little effect on the person's immunity. They are often removed from children under 15 years of age and rarely in adults.

Reasons for Removal

• The most common reason for a tonsillectomy is that the tonsils become enlarged or swollen. This can cause a person to have trouble breathing, which can result in sleep apnea or snoring problems. Other patients have complained of chronic tonsillitis, which is marked by frequent sore throats and difficulty swallowing. This is often caused by an infection in the tissue that forms the tonsils.

Surgery

• Tonsillectomies, while they have the risks that come with any surgery, are often done as outpatient surgeries. A general anesthetic is given and the surgeon is able to remove them through the open mouth. They can be removed either by cutting them out using surgical instruments or by using lasers, which is becoming the most common method employed. Surgeons have found that less bleeding occurs when lasers are used to remove the tonsils.

Granulation Process

• After the tonsils are removed, sutures to control the bleeding usually cover the area. Granulated tissue begins to form over the area where the tonsils were, but it can take up to three weeks before the area is completely healed. On rare occasions, hemorrhaging or excessive bleeding may occur during the granulation process. Yet, most patients are discharged after the surgery if they show no sign of complications.

Post Surgery

• Once the tonsillectomy is performed and the patient is sent home, he must use caution in his food intake in order to prevent bleeding. Cold fluids and soft foods such as gelatin are recommended initially, as the throat heals and the granulation tissue begins to form. Hard, crunchy food such as pretzels or potato chips should be avoided at first, as they can scratch or damage the granulated tissue and cause bleeding. In addition, clearing the throat often can also interrupt the granulation process and cause tearing of the tissue.