Tonsillitis and enlarged adenoids are common conditions in children. Symptoms may include mouth breathing, snoring during sleep, persistent runny nose, nasal congestion, recurrent coughs and colds, noisy breathing, and poor-quality sleep. In severe cases, significant enlargement of the tonsils and adenoids may even increase the risk of sleep apnea, a condition in which breathing repeatedly stops during sleep.
When symptoms become severe and no longer improve with medication, doctors may recommend tonsillectomy (tonsil removal) and adenoidectomy (adenoid removal). One of the modern surgical techniques widely used today is plasma coblation, which offers minimal bleeding and relatively faster recovery.
This was the case for Malika, a 6-year-old girl who initially visited an ENT specialist not because of enlarged tonsils, but to have her ears cleaned. She eventually underwent plasma coblation performed by dr. Zuki Saputra, Sp.THT-BKL, an ENT specialist at Mandaya Royal Puri Hospital, with excellent results.
“Alhamdulillah, she no longer snores. She used to sleep with her mouth open, but now she has started sleeping with her mouth closed because she can breathe through her nose. The improvement has been tremendous. She has already finished eating eggs and dragon fruit. The doctor also said she could go home because there was no more bleeding. She only stayed in the hospital for one day. Hopefully, everything goes well at home,” said the patient’s parent.
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She Initially Came for Ear Cleaning, but the Doctor Discovered Enlarged Tonsils
According to Malika’s mother, her daughter was initially brought to dr. Zuki because of an ear complaint and to have earwax removed. During the examination, however, the doctor noticed that Malika was breathing through her mouth.
After examining her mouth and throat, dr. Zuki found that her tonsils had enlarged to Grade T3, meaning they were significantly enlarged and almost touching each other.
Further examination also revealed enlarged adenoids. Since both conditions were obstructing her airway, the doctor recommended performing both tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy during the same procedure to achieve optimal recovery.
Prior to the surgery, Malika had also experienced recurrent coughs and colds. Her parents were concerned that these conditions would continue to affect her sleep and potentially increase the risk of sleep apnea.
Her mother admitted that she was initially worried after hearing the common misconception that tonsil surgery could weaken a child’s immune system.
However, after receiving a thorough explanation from dr. Zuki regarding Malika’s condition and the available treatment options, the family decided to proceed with surgery.
What Is Plasma Coblation?
Plasma coblation is a surgical technology used to remove tissues, such as the tonsils or adenoids, with greater precision.
The technology utilizes low-temperature plasma energy to remove the tissue responsible for the patient’s symptoms. Because it operates at relatively low temperatures, damage to the surrounding healthy tissue can be minimized.
Unlike conventional surgical methods that use high heat to cut tissue while controlling bleeding, plasma coblation removes tissue more gently, resulting in less bleeding and generally allowing for a faster recovery.
Successful Surgery, Snoring Resolved Immediately
dr. Zuki explained that when Malika first visited, she not only had impacted earwax but was also breathing through her mouth, frequently had a runny nose, nasal discharge, and noisy breathing.
Upon reviewing her medical history, it was found that her parents had previously taken her to a pediatrician because of recurrent coughs and colds. At that time, she had already been advised to undergo tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy.
The surgery was then performed using plasma coblation. The procedure was successful with minimal bleeding. Since the enlarged adenoids were completely removed, her airway and nasal passages became more open, allowing her snoring to disappear immediately.
Following surgery, her parents noticed significant improvements. Malika no longer snored, she started breathing with her mouth closed, and her appetite improved considerably. She was already able to finish meals such as eggs and dragon fruit.
Because there was no postoperative bleeding, Malika was discharged after just one day of hospitalization.
Results After Plasma Coblation Surgery
- Snoring completely resolved
- No longer breathes through her mouth
- Better quality of sleep
- Improved appetite
- Short hospital stay
Profile and Practice Schedule of dr. Zuki Saputra, Sp.THT-BKL at Mandaya Royal Puri Hospital
dr. Zuki Saputra, Sp.THT-BKL is an Ear, Nose, Throat, Head and Neck (ENT) specialist at Mandaya Royal Puri Hospital who treats a wide range of ear, nose, throat, head, and neck conditions in both children and adults.
One of dr. Zuki’s areas of expertise is performing tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy using plasma coblation technology. This modern surgical technique uses low-temperature plasma energy to precisely remove tissue, helping minimize bleeding, reduce damage to surrounding tissues, and support faster recovery compared with conventional surgical methods.
In addition to enlarged tonsils and adenoids, dr. Zuki also treats various ENT conditions, including:
- Tonsillitis
- Enlarged adenoids
- Ear infections
- Earwax buildup (cerumen impaction)
- Hearing disorders
- Nosebleeds
- Sinusitis
- Allergic rhinitis
- Nasal polyps
- Sleep-disordered breathing due to airway obstruction, including snoring
dr. Zuki Saputra, Sp.THT-BKL is available for consultation at Mandaya Royal Puri Hospital during the following schedule:
- Monday: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
- Wednesday: 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
- Friday: 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
- Saturday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
To make your visit to Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri more convenient, you can use the WhatsApp Chat feature, Book Appointment service, or the Care Dokter application, available on Google Play and the App Store, to schedule appointments, check queue numbers, and access additional information.
The information provided on this page is intended for educational purposes and as general information only. It does not represent the full range of medical services that may be provided by each physician. To receive treatment tailored to your specific health condition, please consult the relevant doctor directly.
If you have any questions, suggestions, or require further information, please contact our call center at 0811-1900-2000.
