To remove or not remove tonsils?

[HeatherLynn2013]

Does anyone know what happens when the tonsils are removed?  Does it make a difference if the tonsils are shrunk or removed?  I'm curious as to the after effects, especially with the removal.

[HeatherLynn2013]

I have another appointment tomorrow at a University and am praying they have some answers for the symptoms I am having.  Also, I want to see what their thoughts are on decompression surgery and the value of cerebellar tonsils and their function.
I will definitely post to update you on my progress.

[desertstorm2009]

You raise an important question.... After researching it I can tell you this; I found much information suggesting the tonsils do in fact play a role in various neurological functions which may vary from emotional to physical coordination. Only one source I read so far indicated its role to be archaic. I also read a couple unfavorable patient outcomes, one on this board.

I would research this a bit more. That's just my opinion. I do see your Dr's point however I would have to ask three questions;

1. Why is this method not a recognized standard of practice?
2. Why should we believe a portion of a vital organ serves no purpose?
3. Is there any current data including patient outcomes which support this         method?

I would be interested in any information you find. Good luck.
Lisa

[HeatherLynn2013]

Wow, 3 surgeries and your having a 4th in June!  I will say some prayers for you to help take care of this problem once and for all.  Thank you for your insight.  Please keep us posted with your progress.  :)

[oops1990]

I've had 3 decompression surgeries and during one of them a shunt was also inserted into the thoracic region of my spinal cord. I had a C1 laminectomy during the first one, my tonsils were cauterized during the second one and the 3rd one was to re-explore everything and drain some fluid while having the shunt placed at the same time. None of these have helped the CSF flow and stopped the progression of my syrinx, which is now growing towards my brain stem. On June 4th I'm having my cerebellar tonsils resected/removed in hopes that it will restore CSF flow and allow the syrinx to shrink down. This is kind of a last resort, because my NS has consulted many other surgeons and we're all baffled as to why none of the surgeries are helping. I was told by my NS that the cerebellar tonsils don't have a function, so I'm really hoping it doesn't cause any more issues than I already have. I can let you know what happens after I have this done if it will be helpful in any way =)

[HeatherLynn2013]

@SelmaS....Lol...the NS I saw generally removes the tonsils (she believes they serve no purpose), She opens the dura and uses a patch, she removes the lower portion of the base of the skull and also shaves off the top portion of the 1st vertabrae.  Not sure the complete technical terminology of these procedures.  Lol   :)

@Krystinamarie...My NS recommended surgery as well.  I have pain, numbness, spasms in my arms and legs.  I'm afraid I will end up paralyzed eventually.  It's a matter of time.  I have the typical Chiari symptoms as well as tremors.  
I am curious as I have not heard of a NS doing a tonsilectomy without doing the decompression surgery along with it.  It makes sense to do one or the other.  I believe a second opinion is an excellent idea.  
Please keep me posted.    :)

[Krystinamarie]

I have recently been searching for answers to the same questions. My ns is wanting to remove the tonsils to avoid the need for more surgeries down the road. During the appointment he recommended surgery, I was told that the tonsils don't necessarily serve a specific purpose and there is a significant difference in recovery time in comparison to the decompression surgery. I am still getting a second opinion just to be safe. I will have more detailed answers in a couple weeks during my pre op if you still have questions.

[selmaS]

  So many of us go thru that ....and we tend to cry when we finally are validated....it is so overwhelming to finally hear yes, u have a condition causing ur symptoms, it is not anxiety, and u r not crazy....sigh...

And yes, this is a very frustrating condition to locate a true specialist, one that not only knows Chiari but also knows all the related conditions....

I was curious about the laminectomy thinking that if he didn't do it that would be y he feels he needs to make the room removing the tonsils....? Just me trying to understand...lol...

[HeatherLynn2013]

NS said that my csf flow is obstructed. During my appointment she showed me on her computer, while reviewing my csf flow study disk, the blockage and crowding. Also my NS does perform a laminectomy.

I continue to try and get everything ruled out before I decide if surgery is necessary.  It's exhausting going through this, physically and emotionally.  I just want to be validated.  I need a concrete diagnosis that explains why these symptoms are occurring.  It's a shame my NL hasn't a clue about Chiari, he thinks it's a psychological issue.  Oh, how frustrating!!  
Sorry for the rant.  I'm just so tired of not being taken seriously by the doctors who should be able to help me, but won't recognize the true problem.
Thanks for "listening".  :)

[selmaS]

  May I ask, do u have a CSF obstruction and  does ur Dr also do a lamenectomy?

Like I said mine were  cauterized.....and I feel fine...not adverse effects that I am aware of for either way....like I said most do not remove them ne more unless it is needed when they get inside as it is an older method.....

Just make sure ur Drs RULE OUT ALL related and non related conditions b4 u have surgery as they can affect ur outcome.

[HeatherLynn2013]

I wonder, mainly, if there are known problems resulting from either the shrinking and/or removal of the tonsils.  My NS removes them, to avoid the possibility of them continuing to cause obstruction which would then require an additional surgery.  I am concerned about any negative outcomes with removing the tonsils...like worse symptoms or even new symptoms happening after surgery.
Thank you for the quick response!

[selmaS]

  Hi....not sure what u mean mean by "what happens when they are removed"....as it can be done both ways....some Drs prefer to cauterize to shrink them .... and others use the older method of removal....and some do require being removed bcuz of how tangled things are inside....and there may be no other choice and one that is made once they are inside and see what all is going on as not everything is seen on a MRI.....

May I ask y u ask? The "shrinking" does not "shrink" them so much that they go away....mine were still herniated but there was a lot more room made , which restored CSF flow which is the main goal.....