Contact number: 020 7806 4060
What is tonsillectomy?
Tonsillectomy is a surgical procedure in which the tonsils are removed from the back of the throat. The tonsils are two small masses of lymphoid tissue located on either side of the back of the throat. They play a role in the immune system by helping to trap bacteria and viruses that enter the body through the mouth and nose.
Tonsil infections are common, but if you suffer from recurrent tonsillitis that doesn’t respond to antibiotics, you might need to get them surgically removed. Tonsillectomies may also be recommended for other reasons, such as enlarged tonsils that obstruct breathing or cause sleep apnoea, or in cases of recurrent or persistent abscess formation around the tonsils.
Symptoms of tonsillitis include:
- difficulty breathing
- bad breath
- severe pain
- throat infections
- enlarged tonsils
All these symptoms can worsen at night and during sleep.
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), a well-connected area of North West London. We’re close to Hampstead (NW3) and Kilburn (NW6), making us accessible to patients across the region.
By Tube:
- St John’s Wood station (Jubilee Line) is just a 5-minute walk from the hospital.
- Finchley Road (NW3) and Kilburn stations (NW6) on the Jubilee Line provide excellent connections.
By Bus:
- Wellington Road: Routes 13, 46, 82, and 113 stop near St John’s Wood Underground Station, just a short walk from the hospital.
- Circus Road: Routes 46 and 187 stop close to the hospital’s Circus Road entrance.
- Abbey Road: Routes 139 and 189 stop near the junction where Grove End Road becomes Abbey Road, providing easy access.
Major Roads:
If you’re travelling from NW3 or NW6, main routes such as Finchley Road or Kilburn High Road offer a direct approach to the hospital.
Our location ensures convenient travel for patients from across London, particularly those in NW8, NW3, and NW6 postcodes.
The price of a private tonsillectomy starts from £1,952*
*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.
Before scheduling your tonsillectomy, you’ll need an initial consultation with an ENT consultant. During this appointment, the doctor will examine your throat, assess your tonsils, and explore non-surgical options to relieve your symptoms. Surgery is considered only if necessary, as it involves recovery time and some risks. If surgery is recommended, we will schedule a date and provide pre-surgery instructions, such as stopping certain medications and fasting for 6 hours before the procedure.
The surgery begins with administering general anaesthesia to ensure you feel no pain. Once asleep, your mouth is gently held open, and the surgeon removes your tonsils using the most appropriate technique, such as electrocautery, cold steel instruments, or laser surgery. In some cases, partial removal (tonsillotomy) may be performed. The procedure typically takes 20 to 30 minutes, though more complex cases may take longer. Bleeding is controlled using ties, cauterisation, or other methods, and the surgical site may be left open to heal naturally or closed with dissolvable stitches.
After surgery, you’ll be monitored in the recovery area as you wake from anaesthesia. Our team will check your vital signs and ensure there are no complications. Most patients can return home the same day, but some may stay overnight for additional care. Recovery involves managing mild pain or soreness for 1-2 weeks, staying hydrated, and following a soft or liquid diet. Strenuous activities should be avoided during this time.
Full recovery varies, but most people feel significantly better within 10 days, with complete healing taking a few weeks. Follow-up appointments will be arranged to monitor your progress, and our team will be available to address any concerns. Carefully following post-operative instructions, including dietary advice and medication, is essential for a smooth recovery.
If you experience unexpected symptoms or have questions during recovery, please contact us immediately. Our medical team is here to support you throughout your recovery journey and ensure a successful outcome.
Medically reviewed by Mr Nicholas Eynon-Lewis - MB BS BSc FRCS (ORL-HNS) on 10/01/2024