Tonsillectomy (Child)

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.

Are There Any Alternatives to a Tonsillectomy?

Surgery 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 or the tonsillitis may simply stop after a few years.

The Procedure

What Does a Tonsillectomy Involve?

The tonsillectomy is performed under a general anaesthetic and usually takes about 30 minutes.

Your surgeon will perform the tonsillectomy through your child’s 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)

Specific Complications

Small pieces of the tonsil may be left behind
Lingual tonsillitis

Following Surgery

Your child should be able to go home the same day or the day after.

The pain can last for up to two weeks and tends to be worse first thing in the morning.

Your child will need to stay off school and away from groups of people for two weeks. This is to help prevent throat infections while your child’s throat is still healing.

Summary

If left untreated, tonsillitis can cause complications. A Tonsillectomy is the only dependable way to stop tonsillitis that keeps on coming back.

If you would like more information about Tonsil Removal Surgery, contact New Victoria Hospital today on 020 8949 9000 or fill in our enquiry form.

Acknowledgements

Author: Miss Ruth Capper MD FRCS (ORL-HNS)

The operation and treatment information on this website is published under license by New Victoria Hospital from EIDO Healthcare UK and is protected by copyright laws. Other than for your personal, non-commercial use, you may not copy, print out, download or otherwise reproduce any of the information. The information should not replace advice that your relevant health professional would give you.