Tonsillectomy

There are several different surgery options for having your tonsils out including the following:

Dissection

The most common method for a tonsillectomy is when your tonsils are cut out using a scalpel. Once your tonsils have been removed, dissolvable stitches are used to close the wound.

Laser or ultrasound

Instead of cutting your tonsils out, your surgeon may decide to use laser surgery to remove them. High precision laser beams are used to vaporise the tonsil tissue and smooth the surface that is left. There is typically less pain, less bleeding, and a shorter recovery time than with a dissection.

Diathermy

During this method, a high-frequency electrical current is used to cut the tonsil tissue and remove it instead of cutting the tonsils out.

A tonsillectomy usually takes around 30 to 45 minutes to perform, and you’ll be put to sleep under a general anaesthetic. When you wake up afterwards, you’ll need to rest until the medication has completely worn off.

Any form of surgery only occurs after a thorough ENT assessment by specialist consultants at The London Clinic.

Recovering from a tonsillectomy usually takes around two weeks.

Over this period, you’ll typically experience some pain in your throat, especially when swallowing.

Some patients will also experience earache, a stiff jaw and bad breath along with a sore throat.

Your doctor will usually prescribe a painkiller for your sore throat.

Applying an ice pack to your throat can also give you relief from the pain and can help to reduce swelling.

You’ll be advised to eat soft foods and drink plenty of fluids for the first couple of weeks after the operation, as well as to avoid clearing your throat and coughing.

As talking may be painful, you’ll usually be advised to avoid talking or whisper instead.

For this reason, you may need to take one or two weeks off work as you regain your ability to talk normally without pain.

Your surgeon and the team at The London Clinic are always available to offer support and guidance. We will be a helping hand during your recovery.

Tonsillectomy may be the best treatment option to treat recurring inflamed tonsils, known as tonsillitis.

The tonsils are part of a group of lymphoid tissues (glands in your neck) that help to prevent infection from germs that you breathe in or swallow.

Tonsillitis occurs if the tonsils become infected.

The main benefit of a tonsillectomy is to improve your general health and prevent further episodes of tonsillitis.

Your surgeon will discuss what results you can expect to achieve from a tonsillectomy.

Our expert surgeons who offer tonsillectomy procedures have years of experience and training.

Before your treatment, your expert care team will guide you through your journey and answer all your questions.

You’ll typically stay with us for a few hours after your procedure while you recover from the operation.

We offer extra touches, such as personalised food menus, to make your stay as comfortable and as much like home as possible.

You’ll have your own nurse, supported by an entire nursing team, who’ll help you get you feeling like yourself again.

Once you’re ready to leave The London Clinic, we’ll give you advice to follow once you’re home for a speedy recovery.

We’ll promise to keep in contact with you over the following weeks to ensure everything is going smoothly.