Adult Tonsillectomy at Liv & Harley Street Hospital

Breathe Easier. Live Healthier.

What is Tonsillectomy?

An adult tonsillectomy removes the tonsils—two lymph-tissue pads at the back of your throat—to cure persistent infection, relieve obstructive sleep apnoea, or solve swallowing and voice problems caused by enlarged or scarred tonsils. With modern anaesthesia and meticulous haemostasis, the operation is quick, safe, and often life-changing for patients plagued by repeat throat infections or poor sleep.

If recurring throat infections or sleepless nights dominate your life, our consultant surgeons can help. Book an adult tonsillectomy consultation at Liv & Harley Street Hospital and take the first step toward lasting relief.

Who Should Have Tonsillectomy?

Recurrent tonsillitis: ≥ 7 episodes in 12 months or ≥ 5/year over two years.
Chronic tonsil infections unresponsive to antibiotics.
Obstructive sleep apnoea or loud snoring linked to enlarged tonsils.
History of peritonsillar abscess (“quinsy”).
Difficulty swallowing, speaking, or breathing due to tonsillar hypertrophy.

Who Can Take It?

Healthy adults without uncontrolled comorbidities.
Patients who have tried—and failed—conservative measures (ABx, CPAP).
Non-smokers, or smokers willing to stop for better healing.
Individuals who understand the 1–2 week recovery and commit to hydration.

Who Might Need to Delay or Avoid?

Active throat infection on surgery day.
Bleeding disorders or anticoagulant use without specialist clearance.
Significant cardio-pulmonary disease or unstable diabetes.
Pregnancy—elective procedure usually deferred.

Contact Us

Get in touch with our experienced team to book your consultation.

0203 973 8800

[email protected]

Book Appointment

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Why Choose Us

Liv & HSH London

Consultant-Level Surgeons
- ENT-trained, maxillofacial consultants perform every tonsillectomy; no junior-only lists.
Enhanced Recovery Protocols
- State-of-the-art haemostatic tools, prophylactic anti-emetics, and evidence-based analgesia reduce pain and bleeding risk.
Emergency Cover
- On-call surgical team, and fast-track re-admission if delayed haemorrhage occurs.
Integrated Maxillofacial Team
- Physiologists evaluate post-op OSA improvement and adjust CPAP if still required.

What Do We Do? (Procedures, Benefits & Care)

Procedure Snapshot

Item	Detail
Anaesthesia	General (asleep, pain-free)
Surgical time	30–60 min
Hospital stay	Day-case or one overnight
Time off work	10–14 days (office)
Full healing	3–4 weeks

Benefits

Eliminates repeat infections and antibiotic use.
Resolves or markedly improves OSA/snoring caused by tonsils.
Stops peritonsillar abscess cycle.
Less throat pain & halitosis in chronic sufferers.
Better sleep quality → daytime energy.

Potential Risks & Limitations

Pain peaking days 3–5, relieved by scheduled meds.
Bleeding (< 5 %), especially first 24 h or days 5–10.
Transient voice change or referred ear pain.
Dehydration if fluid intake is poor.
Rare infection requiring IV antibiotics.

Preparation Checklist

Fast 6–8 h before theatre.
Stop NSAIDs / anticoagulants as instructed.
Arrange escort home + 48 h support.
Stock soft, non-acidic foods (ice cream, smoothies, mashed potato).
Hydrate well in days leading up to surgery.

Post-Operative Care

Regular analgesia (paracetamol + ibuprofen or codeine) on a schedule, not “as needed.”
Ice-cold drinks and soft diet; avoid spicy, crunchy, or very hot foods for 2 weeks.
Stay hydrated—sip water hourly.
No strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, or flights for 2 weeks.
Red-flag bleeding: continuous fresh bleeding or clots → call emergency number or A&E.
Clinic reviews at Day 7 and Week 6.