Tonsillectomy

Tonsillectomy is a treatment for Tonsillitis that involves taking out your tonsils.

Why will I need one?

The main reason for having a tonsillectomy is if you get very bad sore throats that keep coming back. However, sometimes people have their tonsils taken out because of problems breathing whilst they are asleep (Sleep Apnoea) or suspected malignancy.

Removing the tonsils will stop you from getting tonsillitis again but it won’t stop you from getting other sore throats.

What will happen?

You will have to discuss your health with the doctor and anaesthetist before the operation and discuss what will happen. You will be asked to wear a hospital gown and then you will be wheeled to the operating suite. You may have an intravenous line inserted (a drip) and you will have various monitoring equipment attached to you, so that the staff will be able to check that everything is alright during the operation.

You will be given a general anaesthetic (put to sleep) and will not be aware of the operation happening. The anaesthetist will stay with you throughout the operation to make sure that you have the right amount of anaesthetic and that your heart rate, blood pressure etc are all ok.

The surgeon will take out your tonsils through your mouth and will quickly cut them out and seal the blood vessels around them.

When you wake up:

You will most likely be in a recovery room
You may feel drowsy and sleepy
You may feel a bit sick
Relax as much as you can
Cough if you need to
Ask the nurse for pain killers if you need them

How long will it take?

You will only have to be unconscious for around 20 minutes, it is very quick. You may be able to leave hospital after five hours, though if you have another condition you may have to stay overnight just so that they can keep an eye on you.

Will it hurt?

During the operation you will not feel anything because of the anaesthetic; however, it will probably hurt after the operation. It will probably hurt for a week, maybe more. It is important to keep drinking and eating normally.

For more help and information

Visit NHS Direct or speak to your doctor.

Last reviewed by Great Ormond Street Hospital: 12 December 2006