A tonsillectomy is a surgical procedure to remove the tonsils and is performed under general anaesthetic, which means you will be asleep.
A tonsillectomy is only considered for a recurrent sore throat if certain criteria are met. You must have:
- a sore throat caused by tonsillitis
- episodes of sore throat that are disabling and stop you functioning normally
- seven or more well-documented, clinically significant, adequately treated sore throats in the preceding year or
- five or more such episodes in each of the preceding two years or
- three or more such episodes in each of the preceding three years
Tonsillectomies are carried out under general anaesthetic, which means you'll be asleep during the procedure.
The operation can be carried out in a number of ways, as described below.
Cold steel surgery – this is the most common method, where a surgical blade is used to cut the tonsils out. Bleeding is controlled by applying pressure or the blood vessels may be sealed using heat generated by diathermy.
Diathermy – a diathermy probe is used to destroy the tissue around the tonsils and to remove the tonsils. At the same time, the heat seals the blood vessels to stop any bleeding.
Coblation (or cold ablation) – this method works in a similar way to diathermy, but uses a lower temperature (60C). It's considered less painful than diathermy.
Lasers – high-energy laser beams are used to cut away the tonsils and seal the underlying blood vessels shut.
Ultrasound – high-energy ultrasound waves are used in a similar way to lasers.
Each of these techniques is relatively similar in terms of safety, results and recovery, so the type of surgery used will depend on the expertise and training of the surgeon.
You'll usually be able to leave hospital on the same day as you have surgery, or the day after.
After surgery
After surgery, it's likely you'll experience some pain at the site of the operation. This can last for up to a week. Painkillers can help to relieve the pain.
Swallowing will probably be difficult after having a tonsillectomy. However, it's important to eat solid foods, because it will help your throat to heal more quickly. Drink plenty of fluids, but avoid acidic drinks, such as orange juice, because they'll sting.
Ensuring good oral hygiene by regularly brushing your teeth and using mouthwash can help prevent infection in the mouth.
The pain usually gets worse during the first week after having a tonsillectomy, before gradually improving during the second week. Earache is common with tonsillectomies, but isn't a cause for concern.
Post-operative bleeding
Bleeding at the site where the tonsils were removed is a fairly common complication of a tonsillectomy. This can occur during the first 24 hours following surgery or up to 10 days afterwards.
It's estimated that around 1 in 30 adults will experience post-operative bleeding after having a tonsillectomy.
Minor bleeding isn't usually a cause for concern, because in most cases it resolves by itself. Gargling with cold water can often help stem the bleeding, because the cold helps to contract the blood vessels.
Occasionally, the bleeding can be more severe, causing people to cough up blood. Seek immediate medical advice if this happens. You should be given an emergency contact number before you're discharged from hospital. Alternatively, you can call NHS 111.
Extensive bleeding may need to be treated with surgery or a blood transfusion.
Preventing infection
It's not always easy to avoid catching viral infections that are spread by coming into contact with germs.
However, following good hygiene practices can help to prevent infections spreading.
For example:
- wash your hands frequently
- cough and sneeze into a tissue and dispose of it in the bin
- avoid sharing glasses or utensils with people who are ill
Disclaimer – This information has been adapted from NHS Choices who hold the sole copy right. For further information please visit: http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Tonsillitis/Pages/Treatment.aspx