Tonsillectomy
A tonsillectomy is an operation to remove the tonsils, the two soft tissue pads at the back of the throat. It is performed for frequently recurring or chronic tonsillitis, persistent sore throats, and enlarged tonsils that obstruct breathing or disturb sleep. In children and adults, removing the tonsils can reduce throat infections and relieve obstruction of the airway.
Medically reviewed by the Florence Healthcare medical team · Last reviewed June 2026
Overview
The tonsils are part of the body's defenses, but they can become a source of repeated infection or grow large enough to block the airway. A tonsillectomy is considered when tonsillitis recurs frequently, when sore throats are persistent and disruptive, or when enlarged tonsils cause obstructed breathing, snoring or sleep-disordered breathing — particularly in children. It is sometimes combined with removal of the adenoids (adenoidectomy) in children.
The operation is done through the open mouth under general anesthesia, with no external incisions; the tonsils are removed and any bleeding is controlled. Several techniques exist, and the surgeon chooses the most appropriate. It is a common, well-established procedure, often performed as a day case, though adults tend to have a more uncomfortable recovery than children.
The main thing to plan for is recovery: a sore throat and ear-referred pain are normal for one to two weeks, eating and drinking are encouraged to aid healing, and there is a small risk of bleeding during this period. For international patients, the coordinator builds this recovery window into the trip so it is safe to travel home, and our ENT specialists can review the history remotely first.
Who is a candidate?
- People with frequently recurring episodes of tonsillitis over one or more years
- Those with chronic, persistent sore throats originating from the tonsils
- Children or adults with enlarged tonsils obstructing breathing or disturbing sleep
- Patients with recurrent tonsil abscesses (quinsy) or other tonsil-related problems
- People seeking advice on whether tonsil removal is warranted in their case
What happens
- 1
Assessment
Your ENT specialist reviews the history of infections or obstruction and examines the throat to confirm that removing the tonsils is the right step.
- 2
Preparation
You are prepared for general anesthesia with instructions on fasting. The surgeon explains the through-the-mouth approach and what recovery involves.
- 3
The procedure
Under general anesthesia, the surgeon removes the tonsils through the open mouth, with no external incisions, and controls any bleeding. It usually takes well under an hour.
- 4
Early recovery
Most patients go home the same day or after one night. A sore throat and ear-referred pain are expected for one to two weeks; eating, drinking and pain relief support healing.
- 5
Follow-up
You receive clear advice on diet, pain relief and the warning signs of bleeding. International patients plan a safe recovery window before flying, with remote support available.
Benefits
- Reduces the frequency of recurrent throat and tonsil infections
- Relieves obstruction of the airway, improving breathing and sleep
- Done entirely through the mouth, with no external incisions or scars
- A common, well-established procedure, often as a day case
- Can be combined with adenoid removal in children when appropriate
Risks & considerations
- A sore throat and ear-referred pain for one to two weeks during healing
- Bleeding from the tonsil area, which can occur in the first one to two weeks
- Temporary difficulty or discomfort with eating and drinking while healing
- The general risks of a general anesthetic
- A short period during which travel and strenuous activity are best avoided
Conditions this treats
Where it is performed
This procedure is performed by our Ear, Nose & Throat Department.
Learn more before you decide
Provider-reviewed guides on the related conditions, symptoms and tests in our Health Library.
Tonsillectomy — frequently asked questions
It is considered for frequently recurring or chronic tonsillitis, persistent disruptive sore throats, and enlarged tonsils that obstruct breathing or disturb sleep. Your ENT specialist advises whether the pattern of problems warrants removal.
Recovery takes about one to two weeks, with a sore throat and often ear-referred pain during healing. Eating, drinking and regular pain relief help, and adults usually find recovery more uncomfortable than children do.
There is a small risk of bleeding from the tonsil area in the first one to two weeks. You are given clear advice on the warning signs and what to do, and this recovery window is planned before any travel home.
Yes. Share the history and our ENT specialists provide an opinion on whether tonsillectomy — sometimes with adenoid removal — is warranted, before you commit to travel.
The operation is often a day case or one night, but plan a recovery window of about one to two weeks before flying, given the small bleeding risk — your coordinator advises on timing. We provide a transparent, itemized estimate after reviewing the case rather than a fixed online price.
Related treatments
Considering tonsillectomy?
Share your reports for a medical second opinion and a transparent, itemized cost estimate — usually within 48 hours.