Adult Tonsillectomy

What is a tonsillectomy?

A tonsillectomy is surgery to remove the tonsils, which are on both sides of the back of the throat. Sometimes adenoids are removed at the same time, but less common in adults.

When is this recommended?

This procedure is less common in adults but can be recommended if you get very frequent tonsil infections, persistent and bothersome tonsil stones, large tonsils causing breathing issues, or if there is a concern for cancer in the tonsils.

What should I expect from this procedure?

You will be put to sleep under general anesthesia during the procedure. The tonsils will be removed through your mouth.

What are the risks?

Bleeding, pain and infection are the biggest risks. Bleeding that would require a second surgery or hospitalization only occurs in 1-3 out of 100 patients. Infection isn’t common but can be treated with antibiotics. Very rare risks of damage to nearby structures and scarring in the back of the nose that can make the voice sound different or make it harder to breathe through the nose.

What should I expect after surgery?

A tonsillectomy can be a painful operation. Often, the pain will get worse the day after surgery, and it tends to be painful for several days. Because the nerve that supplies the sensation to the tonsil also supplies part of the ear, it is very common to get earache after a tonsillectomy. Generally, we advise two weeks off work, housework, or exercise after the operation, although sometimes it may take up to three weeks to recover. Spitting up blood-tinged or streaky saliva is normal, but more than a small amount is not normal, and you should contact the clinic or go to a local care center. There may be a bad odor coming from the mouth or nose for 7-10 days during the healing process as well as noticing a white patch over the area where your tonsils were.