A tonsillectomy is an operation to remove the tonsils, which are two small areas of tissue at the back of the throat. The procedure is usually carried out under a general anaesthetic, so you will be asleep during the operation.
A tonsillectomy may be recommended if you have repeated episodes of tonsillitis, enlarged tonsils causing breathing problems or other ongoing problems linked to your tonsils. Most people can return home on the same day, although recovery can take around two weeks.
Speak to our specialist Dr Nick Hamilton ENT if for treatment for chronic tonsillitis in London – contact us today by email at secretary@throatspecialist.co.uk
Key takeaways
- A tonsillectomy is an operation to remove the tonsils under general anaesthetic.
- Recovery usually takes around 10 to 14 days, and throat pain is common during this time.
- Tonsillectomy is generally safe, but bleeding after surgery is an important risk to be aware of.
Why might I need a tonsillectomy?
Tonsillectomy is most commonly recommended for people who have repeated or severe episodes of tonsillitis. Tonsillitis can cause symptoms such as a sore throat, difficulty swallowing, swollen tonsils and a high temperature.
In some cases, surgery may also be recommended if enlarged tonsils are affecting breathing, particularly during sleep. Other reasons can include recurrent quinsy, which is a collection of pus beside the tonsil, or persistent problems caused by the tonsils.
Guidance from the NHS generally recommends considering tonsillectomy for people who have frequent, severe and documented episodes of tonsillitis that significantly affect their everyday life. One commonly used threshold is seven episodes in one year, five episodes each year for two years, or three episodes each year for three years.
What happens before a tonsillectomy?
Before your operation, you will usually have a pre-operative assessment. This may involve questions about your general health, medicines you take and any previous problems with anaesthesia.
You will also be given instructions about when to stop eating and drinking before surgery. It is important to follow these instructions carefully, as having food or liquid in your stomach during general anaesthesia can increase the risk of complications.
Your healthcare team should explain the procedure, possible risks and what to expect during recovery. You will normally have an opportunity to ask questions before giving your consent to the operation.
What happens during a tonsillectomy?
Step 1: A tonsillectomy is carried out in hospital under general anaesthetic. This means you will be asleep and will not feel the operation.
Step 2: The surgeon removes the tonsils through the mouth, so there are no cuts on the outside of your neck. The operation itself usually takes around 20 to 30 minutes, although the total time you spend in theatre and the recovery area will be longer.
Step 3: After the operation, you will be monitored while you wake up from the anaesthetic. Your healthcare team will check that you are recovering safely and are able to drink before you are discharged.
What is recovery like after a tonsillectomy?
It is very common to have a sore throat after a tonsillectomy. Pain can sometimes become worse several days after the operation before it starts to improve. You may also experience ear pain, bad breath or a white coating where the tonsils were removed. These can be normal parts of the healing process.
Most people need around 10 to 14 days away from work or school. Children may need a similar amount of time away from school, depending on their recovery and their healthcare team’s advice.
Drinking plenty of fluids and taking pain relief as recommended can help during recovery. Your healthcare team may also provide advice about suitable foods and drinks.
What are the risks of a tonsillectomy?
Tonsillectomy is generally considered a safe procedure, but as with any operation, there are risks. Bleeding is one of the most important complications to be aware of and can happen during or after surgery.
Data from the Royal College of Surgeons of England found that around 8 in every 100 adults and 3 in every 100 children are readmitted to hospital following tonsillectomy, with bleeding being one of the main reasons for readmission.
If you have fresh bleeding from your mouth or throat after a tonsillectomy, you should seek urgent medical attention rather than waiting for it to stop.
Is a tonsillectomy permanent?
Yes. Once the tonsils have been removed, they do not grow back in the usual sense. However, having a tonsillectomy does not mean that you can never have a sore throat or throat infection again.
The operation removes the tonsils, but other tissues in the throat can still become infected. For people who have frequent tonsillitis, however, removing the tonsils can reduce the number of severe episodes they experience.
Can I have a tonsillectomy on the NHS?
Yes, tonsillectomy is available on the NHS when it is considered clinically appropriate. Your GP can assess your symptoms and may refer you to an ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist if surgery could be suitable.
The decision to have a tonsillectomy is based on factors such as how often you have tonsillitis, how severe your symptoms are and how much they affect your daily life. Your ENT specialist can discuss the potential benefits and risks with you before deciding whether surgery is appropriate.
Whilst a waiting list may apply to be seen on the NHS, you can speak to our private specialist Dr Nick Hamilton ENT to arrange an appointment much sooner. We are based at One Wellbeck and The London Clinic and you can find our patient information here.
