Tonsillectomy

A tonsillectomy is a procedure to surgically remove the tonsils, the glands in the throat used to fight infection. Occasionally the tonsils become repeatedly enlarged or infected instead of fighting infection and must be removed.

Tonsillectomies are more often performed on children however adults also have the surgery, especially if the tonsils are causing breathing problems.

The procedure is performed under a general anaesthetic and will take around an hour with you being able to return home on the same day as the procedure.

A breathing tube is inserted into the nasal passage to leave the mouth area available for the surgical procedure. 

The mouth is held open using a medical instrument to allow easy access for the consultant. The tonsils are then removed using either a scalpel, laser treatment or heated instrument with the bleeding being controlled at all times. 

The surgery is extremely common in the UK and our consultants have extensive experience.

We advise that the patient be away from work for a period of one week following the operation. 

Please do discuss any questions you may have with your consultant prior to the procedure.

This procedure will normally be covered by the medical insurance policy but patients are advised to check with the provider prior to any treatment.

If you are paying for your own treatment all costs will be discussed and explained prior to any treatment taking place. This will be confirmed in writing along with any surgeon fees, anaesthetist fees and hospital charges prior to admission.