ENTceps Tonsillectomy

ENTceps Tonsillectomy | Silenso Clinic

Tonsillitis affects more than half a million Americans each year, with over 350,000 children and 150,000 adults getting their tonsils removed annually.

Swollen or infected tonsils can impact a patient’s breathing, appetite, and sleep, all of which significantly impact one’s quality of life.

Sleep and breathing problems are principal reasons patients visit Dr. Paul Schalch Lepe, an industry-leading board-certified otolaryngologist (ear, nose, and throat specialist). Here, Dr. Schalch Lepe discusses tonsillitis, traditional tonsillectomy procedures, and the new ENTceps tonsillectomy, an innovative office-based procedure that achieves exceptional results with minimal tissue damage, discomfort, and downtime. 

If you or a loved one is experiencing swollen or infected tonsils, reach out to Dr. Schalch Lepe at (858) 925-5800 or fill in our contact form to arrange your consultation in San Diego today. Silenso Clinic is located in Carmel Valley in North San Diego County and serves many communities throughout the greater San Diego area, including La Jolla, Carlsbad, Encinitas, Del Mar, Coronado, Eastlake, Chula Vista, and more. 

What Is Tonsillitis?

Tonsillitis is the inflammation of the tonsils, which are lymphatic organs located at the back of your throat. The most common cause of tonsillitis is an infection with bacteria, but viruses can also cause it. Causes include bacterial infections, such as strep throat, and viral infections like mononucleosis. In general, your body’s immune system will be able to fight off minor infections without causing any complications. When these infections become repetitive, or chronic, of they lead to complications such as abscess formation or damage to other organs, as well as repeat exposure to antibiotics or missed time from work or school,  more advanced treatments or surgery are recommended.

Source: Mayo Clinic

What Are the Symptoms of Tonsillitis?

The symptoms of tonsillitis include:

  • Sore throat
  • Fever
  • Swollen tonsils
  • Ear pain
  • Headache
  • Fever
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Bad breath
  • “hot potato” voice and snoring

When a person has tonsillitis, the tonsils become inflamed, causing the blockage of the airway. In this situation, a patient may have trouble breathing and swallowing correctly.

How Does a Tonsillectomy Treat Tonsillitis?

A tonsillectomy treats tonsillitis by quickly and safely removing the tonsils, so they can no longer hinder breathing and eating.

It is a surgical procedure performed by specialist ENT (ear, nose, and throat) doctors, or otolaryngologists.

What Does a Tonsillectomy Involve?

A tonsillectomy can be performed in several different ways. Dr. Schalch Lepe will discuss these options with you during your consultation to decide on the most appropriate method for your circumstances.

Typical tonsillectomy methods include:

  • “Cold steel”: The surgeon excises the tonsils using a scalpel or other surgical instruments like snares, and then sutures the area from where the tonsils were removed.
  • Laser Tonsil Reduction: The process, also referred to as laser tonsil cryptolysis, utilizes a diode laser as an alternative to tonsillectomy in cases of persistent tonsil stones with cryptic infections.
  • Intracapsular : An device is used to transmit electrical energy into the tonsils, cauterizing and reducing the tonsils without removing the surrounding capsule.
  • Ultrasonic Energy: High-frequency vibration is produced through an ultrasonic device, which helps remove the tonsils by welding the tissues holding them in place together, with minimal tissue damage and less risk of bleeding after surgery.
  • Radiofrequency Ablation: energy is transmitted into the tonsils, which breaks down and dissolves the tissue, reducing the tonsils in size.

The ENTceps Tonsillectomy

Many tonsillectomy methods remove the tonsils but may also affect the surrounding tissue. This leads to longer healing time, postoperative pain and risk of bleeding

This is why ENT surgeons have developed a more advanced option for tonsillectomy, such as ENTceps. Using thermal fusion in the form of a forceps-style pinching device, the ENTceps procedure simultaneously applies direct heat and pressure to the tonsils, which simultaneously remove the tonsils and seal or weld the remaining tissue together.  

What are the Benefits of ENTceps?

ENTceps offers many advantages over traditional methods, including:

  • Less pain and bleeding
  • Minimal tissue damage
  • More precise procedure
  • Fewer procedure-related complications
  • More rapid return to a regular diet
  • Can occasionally be performed in the office
Dr. Schalch Lepe, MD, FACS at Silenso Clinic in San Diego

Better Breathing Starts Today

Specializing in the treatment of a variety of conditions (deviated septum, nasal obstruction, snoring, obstructive sleep apnea, etc.),  Dr. Schalch Lepe is highly qualified and motivated to provide his patients with the best possible treatment results. Dr. Schalch Lepe takes an in-depth, personalized approach with each patient to ensure they receive the best possible treatment for their situation.

Originally from Mexico City, Mexico, Dr. Schalch Lepe has the unique perspective of having trained in multiple countries. This experience has led him to be sought out by domestic and international patients, many of whom are Mexican ex-pats living throughout San Diego County and Southern California. 

Meet Dr. Schalch Lepe (English)

Conozca al Dr. Schalch Lepe (Español)

ENTceps Tonsillectomy in San Diego, CA

Ear, nose, throat, sleep, and breathing specialist Dr. Paul Schalch Lepe specializes in various breathing, sleep, and airway treatments (deviated septum, sinus pressure, allergies, enlarged inferior turbinates, obstructive sleep apnea, snoring), all meant to help his patients achieve an improved quality of life by breathing better and sleeping easier. Dr. Schalch Lepe takes an in-depth, personalized approach with each patient to ensure they receive the best possible treatment for their situation.

He is highly experienced in treating patients of all ages, children and adults alike, for tonsillitis concerns, and finds that the ENTceps procedure often provides the best results.

Originally from Mexico City, Mexico, Dr. Schalch Lepe has been fortunate to gain unique perspectives and experience from his international training. This experience has led him to be sought out by domestic and international patients, many of whom are Mexican ex-pats living throughout San Diego County and Southern California.

Arrange your consultation with Dr. Schalch Lepe today by calling (858) 925-5800 or filling out his online form.

ENTceps Tonsillectomy FAQs

The procedure usually last 20-30 minutes, and pain is controlled during the procedure with local anesthesia.

If a tonsillectomy is medically necessary, then most insurers will cover the procedure. This will require proof from your doctor, such as evidence of recurring tonsillitis or health issues caused by swollen tonsils.

Due to the individualized nature of the procedure, you will need to first be evaluated by Dr. Schalch Lepe. After this initial evaluation and discussion, we will provide you with a detailed estimate of your costs.