Tonsillectomy

A tonsillectomy is performed under a general anaesthetic, which means you’ll be asleep throughout the procedure. It’s typically carried out as a daycase surgery in our Surgery Centre, so you’ll be able to return home the same day.

The procedure usually takes around 60 minutes, including anaesthetic time.

During the procedure:

• your anaesthetist will give you medication to ensure you’re asleep throughout the procedure

• your surgeon will access your tonsils through your mouth, so there are no external cuts

• specialised surgical techniques, such as diathermy or coblation, may be used to remove the tonsils and control bleeding

• once the tonsils are removed, the area is carefully checked to ensure bleeding has stopped

During the procedure, it’s very common for the adenoids, small glands located at the back of the nose, to also be removed. Your consultant will discuss this with you before your surgery. 

After the procedure, you’ll be monitored while the anaesthetic wears off. Once you’re comfortable and stable, you’ll be discharged with clear aftercare instructions.

A tonsillectomy is a commonly performed procedure and is considered to be very safe. However, as with any surgery, there are some risks. Your consultant will discuss these with you in detail before treatment.

Potential risks include:

• bleeding during or after surgery

• throat pain, which is expected during recovery

• infection

• swelling in the throat area

• temporary difficulty swallowing

• reaction to anaesthetic (rare)

Most complications are uncommon, and your surgical team will take every precaution to minimise any risks. You’ll be given clear guidance on what to look out for once you return home.

Preparing properly for your procedure helps support a safe surgery and a smooth recovery – your consultant will provide tailored advice based on your health and medical history.

It’s important to let your care team know if you feel unwell before your surgery, as your procedure may need to be rescheduled.

Before your tonsillectomy, you’ll need to:

• attend a consultation to review your symptoms and confirm suitability for surgery

• provide details of your medical history, medications, allergies, and any previous operations

• follow fasting instructions before your procedure

• stop or adjust certain medications, if advised by your consultant

• avoid smoking and alcohol before surgery, as these can affect healing

• arrange time off work, school, or usual activities

• organise for someone to take you home and stay with you after the procedure

After surgery, most patients return home on the same day. As you’ll have had a general anaesthetic, you’ll need to arrange for someone to take you home and stay with you for a few hours while you recover at home.

Recovery after a tonsillectomy is structured and predictable for most people, but it does take time. Most patients will recover within 10 to 14 days after surgery.

How you may feel after surgery

It’s normal to experience:

• a sore throat, which can be significant for several days

• ear pain, which is referred pain from the throat

• difficulty swallowing

• tiredness and low energy

• bad breath

These symptoms usually improve gradually as healing takes place.

Pain management

Taking pain relief regularly, especially in the first few days, can help you stay comfortable. Your consultant will advise you on pain relief. This may include:

• prescribed painkillers

• over-the-counter medicines such as paracetamol or ibuprofen

Eating and drinking

Eating and drinking are important for recovery, even if your throat feels sore. You’ll be advised to:

• drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration

• start with soft foods and gradually return to a normal diet

• avoid very hot, spicy, or sharp foods in the early stages

Activity and rest

You should:

• rest at home for several days after surgery

• avoid strenuous activity for around 2 weeks

• take time off work or school as advised by your consultant

Follow-up care

Your consultant may arrange a follow-up appointment to check your recovery and ensure there are no complications.

Your consultant and nursing team will provide clear aftercare guidance and support to help you recover safely and confidently. You should seek urgent medical advice if you experience:

• bleeding from your throat

• signs of dehydration (such as reduced urine output or dizziness)

• a high temperature

• worsening pain

Tonsillectomy is covered by most private health insurance companies, and we also welcome self-paying patients. For pricing information, please get in touch with our Surgery Centre.

Our team can guide you through pricing and payment options following your consultation.

At Welbeck, our ENT specialists are experts in their field and are dedicated to providing world-class care to every patient.

With access to colleagues across other specialties, our consultants are also able to refer within the Welbeck ecosystem if required to ensure you receive the treatment you need as quickly as possible, all under one roof.  

All appointments, testing, treatment, and follow-up appointments take place within our state-of-the-art facilities, enabling us to deliver accurate diagnostics and advanced treatments.

To book a tonsillectomy, you must be referred by either your GP or an ENT specialist following a consultation with them. Self-referrals are not accepted for this treatment.

If you’d like to schedule a consultation with a Welbeck ENT consultant, please get in touch to make an appointment. Your health is important to us, so we strive to offer same-day appointments whenever possible.

Our consultants are recognised by the major health insurance companies. If you have private health insurance, your treatment at Welbeck can begin once you have obtained authorisation. We also provide care to self-paying patients. Learn more about the different payment options at Welbeck.