Tonsil Surgery

Tonsillectomy is a common ENT surgical procedure whereby the palatine tonsils are surgically removed.

Indications for tonsillectomy include:

• recurrent tonsillitis/quinsy
• Snoring/obstructive sleep apnoea where tonsillar enlargement is a contributing factor
• Suspected tonsil tumour

Recurrent tonsillitis is a painful condition that can impact quality of life and lead to school/work absence. A quinsy (peritonsillar abscess) is a condition where pus gathers beside the tonsil. Removing the tonsils can reduce the number and severity of sore throats and reduce the likelihood of further episodes of quinsy.

Tonsillectomy surgery is carried out as a day case procedure under general anaesthetic. Your throat will be painful afterwards, similar to a bad throat infection, but can usually be managed with simple pain relief. Recovery is normally within 10-14 days.