Tonsillectomy

Tonsillectomy at The London Clinic

Tonsillectomy may be the best treatment option to treat recurring inflamed tonsils, known as tonsillitis. The London Clinic’s ear, nose and throat surgeons offer several different operations to remove the tonsils, using the most up-to-date techniques.  

The tonsils are part of a group of lymphoid tissues (glands in your neck) that help to prevent infection from germs that are breathed in or swallowed. Tonsillitis occurs if the tonsils become infected.

Tonsillectomy may improve your general health and will prevent further episodes of tonsillitis.

WHO WOULD NEED TONSILLECTOMY?

Tonsillectomy is most commonly performed in teenagers and young adults, who have had at least four attacks each year for two years in a row. For adults, fewer attacks must occur before your ENT specialist recommends a tonsillectomy, as attacks are usually more severe and unlikely for them to stop without treatment.

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.

Treatment facts

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

• Dissection: the most common method for a tonsillectomy, this is when your tonsils are cut out using a scalpel. Once your tonsils have been removed, dissolvable stitches are used to close the wound that has resulted from the incision.

• Laser or ultrasound: instead of cutting your tonsils out, your surgeon may decide to use laser surgery to remove them. In this surgery, high precision laser beams are used to vaporise the tonsil tissue and smooth the surface that is left. The advantage of laser surgery is that there is typically less pain, less bleeding, and a shorter recovery time than with 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 thirty to fourty-five minutes to perform, and you’ll be put under a general anaesthetic for the procedure. When you wake up afterwards, you’ll need to rest at The London Clinic until the anaesthetic has completely worn off.

Usually you’ll be released on the same day, but you may be required to stay overnight for observation. When ready, your nurses will give you something to eat and drink before allowing you to go home. Your doctor will usually ask you to come back to The London Clinic after a few days to check that the operation has been successful.

TREATMENT RECOVERY

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. Because 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.

head and neck SPECIALISTS AT THE LONDON CLINIC

The London Clinic’s priority is to provide our patients with support, comfort and expert care. We have the largest group of ear, nose and throat (ENT) surgeons working in the private sector of any hospital in London.

ENT surgeons within The London Clinic work closely in multi-disciplinary teams with experts from other specialists, to offer the best care.  

Our dedicated  ENT nursing team will maintain your physical health, support your emotional wellbeing and help you and your family, every step of the way.