This page will give you information about a tonsillectomy. If you have any questions, you should ask your GP or other relevant health professional.
What is a Tonsillectomy?
A tonsillectomy is an ENT operation to remove the tonsils, part of a group of lymphoid tissues (like the glands in your neck) that help to fight off infection from germs that are breathed in or swallowed.
Tonsillitis happens if the tonsils become infected (see figure 1). This causes pain, fever and difficulty swallowing and can leave you feeling unwell.
The Procedure
Are There Any Alternatives to Tonsillectomy Surgery?
A tonsillectomy is recommended as it is the only dependable way to stop tonsillitis that keeps on coming back. In children, a long course of antibiotics may break a cycle of frequent infections. For adults, this treatment is less likely to be effective, especially following glandular fever.
What Does a Tonsillectomy Involve?
A tonsillectomy is performed under a general anaesthetic and usually takes about 30 minutes.
Your surgeon will perform the tonsillectomy through your mouth. They will cut or peel the tonsil away from the layer of muscle underneath it, use heat to remove the tonsil and cauterise the area, or use radio-frequency energy to dissolve the tonsil. Your surgeon will stop any extra bleeding.
What Complications Can Happen?
General Complications
- Pain
- Bleeding
- Infection of the surgical site (wound)
- Blood clots
Specific Complications
- Small pieces of the tonsil may be left behind
- Lingual tonsillitis
- Change of taste
- Feeling you have something in your throat
Consultants and Clinic Times
Mr Behrad Elmiyeh
Specialities
Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT)
Mr Tony Hinton
Specialities
Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT)
Mr Kevin Kulendra
Specialities
Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT)
Mr Enyi Ofo
Specialities
Mr Parag Patel
Specialities
Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT)
