What is tonsillectomy?
A tonsillectomy involves surgically removing the tonsils, which sit on either side of the back of the throat and help trap bacteria and viruses entering through the mouth and nose. It is commonly recommended for recurrent tonsillitis that doesn’t settle with antibiotics, enlarged tonsils that obstruct breathing or cause sleep apnoea, or repeated or persistent abscesses around the tonsils.
The operation is performed under general anaesthetic and is usually a day case, so most patients go home the same day. Conveniently located in St John’s Wood (NW8), we offer this treatment to patients across London with a focus on safety and compassionate care.
Who is tonsillectomy suitable for?
- Repeated, well-documented episodes of tonsillitis that affect daily life, school or work
- Tonsillitis that hasn’t responded well to antibiotics
- Enlarged tonsils causing breathing difficulty, loud snoring or sleep apnoea
- Recurrent or persistent abscesses around the tonsils (quinsy)
Your ENT consultant will assess how often you’ve had infections and how they affect you, before recommending whether a tonsillectomy is the right option.
Tonsil removal for children and adults
At St John & St Elizabeth Hospital, we offer private tonsillectomy for children and adults experiencing recurrent tonsillitis. Our experienced ENT consultants provide comprehensive assessment, clear guidance on suitability for surgery, and dedicated aftercare in a safe, private London hospital setting, ensuring a smooth recovery for both paediatric and adult patients.
Consultants who perform Tonsillectomy
How Much Does Private Tonsil Removal (Tonsillectomy) cost?
from £1,952*
The cost of private Tonsillectomy starts from £1,952* at St John & St Elizabeth Hospital.
*The price shown is an estimated guide to the hospital charges associated with your treatment from admission to discharge. Your final cost may vary depending on your individual clinical needs, the procedure performed, any additional treatments required, the type of implant/prosthesis used (where applicable), and the length of stay. This guide price excludes consultation fees, diagnostic tests, and professional fees charged separately by your surgeon, anaesthetist, and any other specialists involved in your care.
How to pay for your treatment
If you’re… paying for yourself
Did you know you don’t need private medical insurance to come to St John & St Elizabeth Hospital? As a self-pay patient, you can access safe, outstanding quality health care at times to suit you.
For scans and tests, as well as to see most consultants, you’ll still need to be referred by a medical professional like your GP, but as a self-pay patient, the process is more straightforward. You won’t need authorisation from an insurance provider, and you’ll have greater choice of consultant and appointment times.
If you’re… insured
St John & St Elizabeth Hospital is approved by all major medical insurance companies. If you have a personal private health insurance policy, or your company provide it for you, you can use it to pay for your care from your initial consultation through to treatment, surgery and aftercare such as physiotherapy. Not all private health insurance plans cover the same things. It’s very important to check exactly what you are covered for with your insurance provider.
Frequently asked questions about tonsillectomy
St John & St Elizabeth Hospital is located in St John’s Wood (NW8), easily accessible for patients from Hampstead (NW3), Kilburn (NW6) and across North and Central London.
By Tube: St John’s Wood station (Jubilee Line) is a 5-minute walk to and from St John & St Elizabeth Hospital.
By Bus: Routes 13, 46 and 113 stop near St John’s Wood Underground Station. Routes 139 and 189 stop on Abbey Road.
By Car: Finchley Road and Kilburn High Road provide direct routes from NW3 and NW6.
A private tonsillectomy at St John & St Elizabeth Hospital starts from £1,952*, covering the hospital charges from admission to discharge. Consultant and anaesthetist fees are charged separately, and your consultant will confirm a personalised quote following your consultation.
Guidelines generally consider surgery for recurrent tonsillitis when there have been seven or more well-documented, clinically significant episodes in one year, five or more a year over two years, or three or more a year over three years, and the infections are disrupting daily life. It may also be recommended for enlarged tonsils that affect breathing or sleep, or for repeated abscesses around the tonsils.
You’ll have a consultation with an ENT consultant, who will ask about how often you get infections, how severe they are and what treatment you’ve had, and examine your throat. If surgery is appropriate, you’ll be given pre-operative instructions, such as when to stop eating and drinking before your general anaesthetic.
The operation is carried out under general anaesthetic, so you’ll be asleep throughout. Your surgeon removes the tonsils through the mouth, with no external cuts, and the procedure usually takes around 30 to 45 minutes.
You’ll recover in the hospital and most patients go home the same day. A sore throat is expected, sometimes with ear pain, and you’ll be given pain relief and advice on eating and drinking. Soft, cool foods and plenty of fluids are usually easiest at first.
Recovery usually takes around one to two weeks, and can be a little longer for adults, with the throat gradually becoming more comfortable over that time. Our team will give you clear aftercare guidance, and a follow-up is arranged if needed, with support available if you have any questions along the way.
Some discomfort and a white coating on the throat are normal as it heals. However, if you notice bleeding from the mouth or throat, a high temperature, or you’re struggling to drink, contact the hospital straight away. For heavy bleeding, seek emergency medical help immediately.
Milder or less frequent tonsillitis can often be managed with rest, fluids, pain relief and, when needed, antibiotics. Surgery is generally considered when infections keep returning or cause significant problems, and your consultant will discuss whether non-surgical options are still appropriate for you.
Yes. You can pay for your tonsillectomy yourself as a self-pay patient, or use private medical insurance where your policy covers it. Please check with your insurer before booking, as cover varies between policies.
Medically reviewed by Mr Nicholas Eynon-Lewis - MB BS BSc FRCS (ORL-HNS) on 2/11/2026