In adults, we recommend the intra-capsular flash scanned Carbon Dioxide laser procedure, either under local anaesthetic (laser tonsillotomy) or general anaesthetic (laser tonsillectomy).
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Laser Tonsillectomy
Laser tonsillectomy for adults – intracapsular technique
Laser tonsillectomy under general anaesthetic is a same-day procedure where patients are kept in hospital for observation for 6 hours post-op. This technique removes around 95% of the tonsils in one attempt, so the need for a second procedure is much lower. Time off work is kept to a minimum, generally it is 48 hours after surgery. There can be some pain and discomfort which can last around 7 days post-op.
This dramatic pain reduction is due to the tonsil capsule kept intact – meaning that the throat muscle and the blood vessels around the tonsil are not exposed. The flash scanned Carbon Dioxide laser is the best instrument we know to do this, as it is quick and bloodless.
The only downside of this technique is that small remnants of tonsil tissue are sometimes left behind. These may need further surgery, although it is rare that this is required (1:50 cases). All our patients go home on the day of surgery, after 6 hours.
Ideally, surgery is performed on a Friday, so the weekend is spent recovering, and Monday back to normal.
Contact us
Our experts at the ENT Unit have many years of experience performing advanced procedures such as a laser tonsillotomy to ensure you relief from any pain or discomfort that you may be experiencing. For any questions or to book an appointment we recommending contact our ENT team by calling 020 7078 3841 or emailing us at [email protected].
ENT Clinic
The ear, nose and throat unit (ENT) can provide same-day appointments with our specialist ENT Consultants who have a wealth of experience in treating various ENT conditions.
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Our Hospital is renowned for providing exemplary levels of care across more than 90 services. From orthopaedics, to urology, our private GP practice and Urgent Care Clinic, our services are led by some of London’s leading Consultants. For more information, and to find a service suitable for your care, find out more about the services that we offer.
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Our Appointments Team have a dedicated and caring approach to finding you the earliest appointment possible with the best specialist.
If you are self-paying you don’t need a referral from your GP for a consultation. You can simply refer yourself* and book an appointment.
If you have health insurance (e.g. Bupa, Axa Health, Aviva), you will need to contact your insurer to get authorisation before any treatment, and in most cases you will also require a referral letter from your GP.
If you are not registered with a GP, we have an in-house private GP practice you can use. Alternatively, we can suggest the most appropriate course of action for you to take, given your location and individual circumstances.
*Please note – for investigations such as X-rays and MRIs, a referral will be required. However, we may be able to arrange this for you through our on-site private GP.
