Tonsillectomy (Child)
We offer tonsillectomy (tonsil removal) surgery for children and you can read more about this procedure here. For further details, you should speak to your consultant.
What is a tonsillectomy?
The tonsils, which are lymphoid tissues, protect us from germs that are breathed in and/or swallowed. A tonsillectomy is a surgical procedure whereby the tonsils are removed. This operation is most commonly offered to children whose tonsils have become infected (see figure 1), resulting in fever, pain, nausea, and trouble when swallowing.
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What are the alternatives to surgery?
Surgery is the only reliable way to guarantee that the tonsillitis will not return. Children can either take a long course of antibiotics to help prevent frequent infections, or tonsillitis may stop naturally.
What does the procedure entail?
The procedure will be performed through your child’s mouth. The doctor will remove the tonsil either by peeling or cutting it away from the muscle beneath it, using heat to remove it and cauterise the area or by using radio-frequency energy to dissolve it. Any surplus bleeding will be stopped by the surgeon. The procedure will take around half an hour and is performed under a general anaesthetic.
What are the complications?
General complications associated with this type of surgery include pain, bleeding, or infection of the wound. More specific complications include lingual tonsillitis, or small parts of the tonsil may be left behind after the operation.
How quickly will my child recover?
Most children go home the same day as their operation, though it is possible that they may need to stay overnight. Pain following the procedure can last for up to a fortnight with it tending to be more intense in the mornings. It will take around a fortnight for your child’s throat to heal properly. During this time, they should be at home and away from groups of people in order to prevent throat infections.
Summary
Tonsillitis can cause many complications when left untreated. Surgery is the only way to guarantee that it will not return.
References: EIDO Healthcare Limited – The operation and treatment information on this website is produced using information from EIDO Healthcare Ltd and is licensed by Aspen Healthcare.
The information should not replace advice that your relevant health professional would give you.
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Tonsillectomy (Child) Consultants
Qualifications
FRCS (ORL-HNS), FRCS (Oto), MSc, MS (Oto), DLO, PG Cert. HCL (Open), MBBS
Clinical Interests
ENT Surgery including:
Adenotonsillectomy
Septoplasty / Rhinoplasty
FESS
Laryngoscopy
Myringoplasty
Mastoid Surgery
Tonsillectomy.
Tongue...
Qualifications
FRCS (ORL-HNS), FRCS (Oto), MSc, MS (Oto), DLO, PG Cert. HCL (Open), MBBS
Clinical Interests
ENT Surgery including:
Adenotonsillectomy
Septoplasty / Rhinoplasty
FESS
Laryngoscopy
Myringoplasty
Mastoid Surgery
Tonsillectomy.
Tongue...
Qualifications
MBBS MS(ENT) DNB(ENT) DLO MRCS MD FRCS(ORL HNS)
Clinical Interests
All ENT conditions in adults and children including ear problems, hearing loss, sinusitis, nasal obstruction, glue ear,...
Qualifications
MBBS MS(ENT) DNB(ENT) DLO MRCS MD FRCS(ORL HNS)
Clinical Interests
All ENT conditions in adults and children including ear problems, hearing loss, sinusitis, nasal obstruction, glue ear,...
Qualifications
MS FRCS FRCS(ORL) FACS
Clinical Interests
Otology, voice disorders and laryngology. Sinus disease and sinus surgery (endoscopic). Middle ear surgery (including...
Qualifications
MS FRCS FRCS(ORL) FACS
Clinical Interests
Otology, voice disorders and laryngology. Sinus disease and sinus surgery (endoscopic). Middle ear surgery (including...
Qualifications
MA MBBS FRCS(ORL) MD
Clinical Interests
Sinusitis, septorhinoplasty, sinus surgery, sinonasal disease and surgery including balloon sinuplasty, rhinoplasty,...
Qualifications
MA MBBS FRCS(ORL) MD
Clinical Interests
Sinusitis, septorhinoplasty, sinus surgery, sinonasal disease and surgery including balloon sinuplasty, rhinoplasty,...
Qualifications
MBBS FRCS(Eng) FRCS (ORL-HNS)
Clinical Interests
Paediatric ENT
Rhinology – endoscopic sinus surgery, nasal allergy polyps, rhinoplasty, snoring and smell disorders.
Otology...
Qualifications
MBBS FRCS(Eng) FRCS (ORL-HNS)
Clinical Interests
Paediatric ENT
Rhinology – endoscopic sinus surgery, nasal allergy polyps, rhinoplasty, snoring and smell disorders.
Otology...
Qualifications
FRCS(ORL-HNS)
Clinical Interests
Ear problems. Hearing and balance disorders. Tinnitus. Menieres disease. Eustachian tube problems (after flights or...
Qualifications
FRCS(ORL-HNS)
Clinical Interests
Ear problems. Hearing and balance disorders. Tinnitus. Menieres disease. Eustachian tube problems (after flights or...
Qualifications
BM BCh (Oxon), MA (Cantab), FRCS, FRCS-ORLHNS (England), MD (London)
Clinical Interests
Otology- Ear and hearing problems, ear infections, Dizziness, Tinnitus, Eustachian tube problems, Otosclerosis, middle...
Qualifications
BM BCh (Oxon), MA (Cantab), FRCS, FRCS-ORLHNS (England), MD (London)
Clinical Interests
Otology- Ear and hearing problems, ear infections, Dizziness, Tinnitus, Eustachian tube problems, Otosclerosis, middle...
Clinical Interests
Snoring & Obstructive Sleep Apnoea surgery
Advanced Otology
Dizziness
Hearing loss
Ear infections
Clinical Interests
Snoring & Obstructive Sleep Apnoea surgery
Advanced Otology
Dizziness
Hearing loss
Ear infections
