Tonsillectomy
Our specialist ear, nose and throat (ENT) surgeons have performed thousands of tonsillectomy procedures. We will take the time to understand your needs, talk you through the options and answer your questions.
Tonsillectomy may be the best treatment option to treat recurring inflamed tonsils, known as tonsillitis.
Quick facts
Easy access
Call us today to book an appointment
Type of surgery
Surgery using a general anaesthetic
What is it for?
Surgery to remove the tonsils
Treatment overview
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.
Having surgery may improve your general health and will prevent further episodes of tonsillitis.
A tonsillectomy is usually recommended if you have:
- Continuous attacks of tonsillitis or quinsy – an infection of the tonsils, which can cause severe sore throat, high temperature and difficulty swallowing
- Swollen tonsils that make you snore or hold your breath while sleeping
- Swollen tonsils that make it difficult to breathe or swallow
- Sore throats that obstruct your work or daily life
A tonsillectomy will be performed by our world-renowned ear, nose and throat (ENT) surgeons, and a multi-disciplinary team of specialists to help you recover.
Whatever your reasons, we’re here to listen.
By choosing The London Clinic, you’ll get a more complete, compassionate, and connected kind of care. From initial consultation through to aftercare and follow-up appointments.
The sooner you contact us, the sooner you can start your journey.
Why choose The London Clinic
Excellence in one place
The London Clinic, in collaboration with Northwestern Medicine, operate as teams of experts with world-class resources, dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of care. Surrounded by the latest treatments and advice, you’ll have everything you need to get back to your best health. Our patient rooms are designed for your comfort, while our catering team, in collaboration with expert dietitians, provide healthy, delicious meals to support your recovery.
Personal care, every time
Exceptional patient care is a way of life for us. Our teams will be with you every step of the way, tailoring your care to your specific needs and giving you the peace-of-mind that comes with knowing you’re in the best hands. To provide exceptional care, we keep our staff-to-patient ratio low, so our nurses, clinicians, therapists, and support teams can offer a personalised, quality experience. You’ll notice the difference.
Effortlessly simple
We work together as one to guide you through every step of your patient experience. From explaining your personal treatment plan to ensuring all details are taken care of, we make the process stress-free, so you can focus on your health. Whether it’s your first consultation or follow-up care, our teams are here to provide seamless support and the peace of mind you deserve
What's included in your package?
Choosing The London Clinic means your treatment plan will be laid out for you, with all the details taken care of so you can focus on you.
Your treatment package will include:
- Enhanced pre-admission assessment
- Your treatment with our complete care team at your fingertips
- Personalised aftercare and follow-up
We want you to be in control of your health. That’s why we also offer optional services such as comprehensive recovery packages and extra touches for you to choose from during your stay with us. To help you manage the cost, we also offer a 0% finance option, allowing you to spread the payments for your treatment over 12 months with no added interest. Learn more about our finance options here.
How to pay
- You can use private medical insurance (PMI) to access this treatment. We work with all major PMI providers in the UK and many internationally
- You can pay for yourself (self-pay)
- If you’re paying for yourself, we have 0% finance options available with Chrysalis. Find out more here.
FAQs
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.
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.
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.
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.