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Kingsbridge Help & Support

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Kingsbridge Hospital

UK 028 90 667 878  ROI 048 90 667 878 

Sligo Hospital

ROI 071 916 2649 

Cross Border Health Team

ROI 048 9068 8858 

Tonsillectomy

    • Removal of the tonsils to prevent tonsillitis & sore throats
    • Team of leading specialist ENT surgeons
    • Cutting edge solutions. State of the art facilities
    • Outstanding patient care before, during and after your procedure

Tonsillectomy Surgery

A tonsillectomy is a surgical procedure to remove the tonsils from the back of the throat. Tonsils are two small glands located in the back of your throat. Tonsils house white blood cells. They are part of your body’s system to fight infection and are only important during the first few years of life, but sometimes the tonsils themselves become infected.

The procedure is mainly performed for recurrent throat infections and obstructive sleep apnoea.

Do You Need A Tonsillectomy?

A tonsillectomy is usually recommended if you have:

  • Repeated episodes of tonsillitis
  • Swollen tonsils that cause you to snore or hold your breath at night
  • Swollen tonsils that make it harder to breathe or swallow
  • Sore throats that disrupt your work or every day life
  • Abscesses, where the area around your tonsils gets infected and form a pocket of pus.

What Are The Benefits of Tonsillectomy Surgery?

The main benefit of a tonsillectomy is that your general health may improve. Removal of the tonsils will prevent further episodes of tonsillitis. You may still get sore throats, but this should not be as frequent.
Removing the tonsils will help to solve these problems:

  • Obstructive sleep apnoea
  • Repeated or frequent tonsillits

Is Tonsillectomy Surgery Painful?

You will have a sore throat when you wake up which can last for a few days. Some patients also have an earache after the surgery. This is because the tonsils share some of the same nerves.  This is normal and should go away in about two to three days. Chewing gum or sucking ice can ease the pain and can be helpful if you have associated earache.

What Happens During Tonsillectomy Surgery?

The operation is carried out under a general anaesthetic. The patient will be asleep throughout the operation. The operation is performed through the mouth, meaning there will be no external cuts or scars. It generally takes about 30 to 45 minutes.  After the surgery, you will be taken to the recovery room, where you will wake from the anaesthetic.

How Long Does It Take To Recover From Tonsillectomy Surgery?

You can leave hospital on the same day as the operation, once you are able to eat and drink. However, you will need to stay for a few hours after your procedure so you can be observed for bleeding.
It is normal for the throat to be sore. You should make sure that you have enough pain relief at home for 7 days.

Keep drinking plenty of fluids. You should be able to eat and drink as you normally would a day after the operation. A healthy, balanced diet will help your wound to heal and prevent an infection.  Eating foods like toast, biscuits and crisps will help keep the area where the tonsils were removed clean. This will help with the healing process. It is best to give pain relief half an hour before meals to help make eating and drinking more comfortable.

You may well find that it takes a couple of weeks to get ‘back to normal’. Rest is advised for the first few days, before you gradually get back to your normal routine.  We recommend that you take 10-14 days off work.  During this time, you should try to avoid large groups of people, people with coughs and colds and smoky or dusty environments. This is because you are more vulnerable to picking up an infection while your throat is healing.

Risks & Complications of a Tonsillectomy

Our healthcare team will reassure you about any concerns you might have and will endeavour to make your procedure as safe as possible. As with all surgical operations there are risks and possible complications.
A tonsillectomy is a simple and safe operation. Your doctor will explain these risks to you during your consultation. Please ask any questions if you are uncertain.

Complications may include, but are not limited to:

  • A sore throat for up to 14 days following the operation, including difficulty swallowing
  • Minor bleeding. This can happen up to two weeks after the operation
  • High temperature (38.5 °C or above), which could be a sign of infection
  • Damaged teeth (please let us know if you have any loose, capped, or crowned teeth)

Book An Appointment

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Appointment Enquiry Form

Alternatively, call us at

071 916 2649

Our Patient Booking Team will contact you back to confirm available dates, times and prices.

Treatment Locations

Kingsbridge Private Hospital Sligo

Ray MacSharry Road, Gardenhill, Sligo, Co. Sligo, F91XO54

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Kingsbridge Help & Support

A credit or debit card is necessary to secure your booking. The card will be saved as your default payment method. You'll receive notifications regarding any outstanding balances. For details on the information we collect and process, while providing your healthcare, please refer to our privacy policy. By using this service, you consent to our privacy policy.

Continue to Kingsbridge Booking

Patient Testimonials

"I had surgery here at the weekend and I can't recommend this place highly enough. They took great care of me and kept me at ease throughout my stay. The staff were brilliant, really friendly and chatted away and the food was top class. This hospital was better than any hotel I wonder could I book a weekend away in it when I fully recover?" Mr McGinnity, Kingsbridge Patient
"EXCELLENT - Had surgery today under the very caring Dr Stewart and her team. I cannot thank her enough for all she’s done for me over the past few months. Everything was explained to me in detail and all my care was considerate, professional and compassionate. Everyone I’ve met today has been beyond kind from Will the Anaesthetist, the Nurses and theatre staff, the catering staff - there has been no exception. Thank you all for taking care of me so well today - look forward to getting home tomorrow x" Mrs McAleavey, Kingsbridge Patient
"Hospital spotless and clean.   Staff were so caring couldn’t do enough for me and made sure I was comfortable. Give the place 10 out of 10. Had surgery yesterday and treatment was first class" Ms Demirtas, Kingsbridge Patient
"Their service was excellent and convenient location!" Ms Kneale, Kingsbridge Patient
"Just received surgery at this hospital and I couldn't have been made to feel any more comfortable from the minute I stepped in until the minute I left. All the staff are wonderful and so friendly I will highly recommend this hospital to everyone" Ms McGivern, Kingsbridge Patient
"Had eye surgery here twice for cataracts and lens replacement. Super smooth service from start to finish. Very happy" Ms Jones, Kingsbridge Patient
"As hospitals go this one is pretty amazing! Had surgery with Mr Molloy at the end of October and have another one the end of this month. Mr Molloy is a gentleman who puts you at ease right away and ensured my last procedure went smoothly! From start to finish all the hospital staff go above and beyond to make your stay as comfortable and stress free as possible. The facilities are brilliant with the rooms spacious and modern to recover in. Keep up the good work!" Ms Roulston, Kingsbridge Patient
"My mother had a total hip replacement surgery. We stayed for three days and were discharged today. Honestly, words can't describe the quality of the job and care they do. The doctors Roger Wilson, Sherman, David, the nurses Susan, Sinead, Siobhan, Andrea, the catering staff who provided customised halal food, and the remaining team whose names I cannot remember were the kindest, nicest, politest, the most caring, professional and pleasant people we have ever come across in healthcare environment. These are true gems and real stars. We are indebted to their treatment.
They are 7 star people. We love you!" Mr Yourish, Kingsbridge Patient
"Great friendly staff the nurses go way and beyond.  The hospital is spotless, and the service is second to none." Ms Croke, Kingsbridge Patient
"Currently just back from recovery on the ward. I have just had ACL reconstructive surgery on my left knee. What can I say? This place is brilliant. I arrived at 8.35am, taken to the ward at 8.45am (my admission time was 9am). Tended to by a lovely Nurse. Dr Roger Wilson spoke to me around 9.45am, in Theatre for 10am, recovery for 11.10am and now currently back on ward. These guys are awesome. From the consultant to anaesthetist to nurses to cater assistants. Absolutely brilliant. Thank you so much. I am so grateful to everyone at Kingsbridge for the service." Mr McNicholl, Kingsbridge Patient
"I just had a total hip replacement done by Mr Molloy.  He made me feel totally at ease (a real gentleman). I had 1st class treatment and as for the staff they couldn’t do enough for me. My experience was excellent from the time I arrived until the day I left for home. Thanks a million to all involved." Miss Bennett, Kingsbridge Patient
"Excellent experience with Kingsbridge Hospital, my dad had a day procedure here recently and not only did he receive fantastic care, but so did myself and my mum. The staff were so understanding and without saying anything could see I was looking after my mum also who has dementia, they went above and beyond to make the time spent waiting on my Dad as pleasant and stress free as possible, I will never forget the extra mile they went to, to support us. Many thanks x" Ms Forde, Kingsbridge Patient
"I have just been discharged from Kingsbridge today after surgery and was in for 3 days. From start to finish my experience was excellent. From catering staff up to senior nurses and doctors they were all fantastic and made my stay a positive experience. As a nurse myself I probably have high expectations of care and I certainly experienced the best of care in Kingsbridge who have staff they should be proud off.  Great teamwork." Ms Armstrong, Kingsbridge Patient
"I recently had my gall bladder removed. All of the staff I had to deal with were excellent and professional. It was the best treatment I have ever received." Ms Burrows, Kingsbridge Patient
"I got my tonsils out yesterday, all the staff were so pleasant and nothing was too much for them. I really did receive one to one care. They just had so much time for me. The food was lovely and the staff from the kitchen where first class. Glad I received my surgery here." Miss Wright, Kingsbridge Patient
"The service and staff are first class.  Had my cataract operation done on the 20th of January and I would like to thank all the staff of this fantastic hospital for giving me my life back.  You are all a credit to your profession.  Excellent service and I would highly recommend you.  Once again thank you so much and I am truly grateful to you all." Mr Doolan, Kingsbridge Patient
"Amazing 5-star hospital.  Have had other surgery here before on my back.
Yesterday's was a neck disc replacement operation.  I would highly recommend this hospital like a hotel manner. Thanks again guys." Mr Phillips, Kingsbridge Patient
"I recently got an MRI scan at Kingsbridge and was very impressed with how simple the process was and how little time I had to wait. The staff were friendly, and it was an all-round pleasant experience." Mr Sharkey, Kingsbridge Patient
"Can’t praise Kingsbridge Private Hospital enough!! I had an operation a couple of weeks ago and I was so well looked after. My surgeon Mr Rashid was fantastic, and the nursing staff was also fabulous. I found they communicated very well to each other, so everyone knew when my meds were due, my allergies etc. They were so kind, so lovely, constantly checked to see how I was i.e. my temperature etc. The food was fabulous and the catering staff very helpful having had an operation were very happy to accommodate ... Thank you to all!" Ms Cheong, Kingsbridge Patient
"Staff very friendly and very efficient. Surgeon and surgery top class. Big thanks to the Nurses for all their care and patience" Mr Howard, Kingsbridge Patient
"Excellent service, very clean hospital" > > >, Kingsbridge Private Hospital Sligo Patient
"Great staff, very caring, car park facilities good" > > >, Kingsbridge Private Hospital Sligo Patient
"All staff I came in contact with were caring, friendly professionals" > > >, Kingsbridge Private Hospital Sligo Patient
"I would recommend Kingsbridge Private Hospital to my friends and family" > > >, Kingsbridge Private Hospital Sligo Patient
"The nurses took brilliant care of my daughter and explained the procedures making me feel at ease" > > >, Kingsbridge Private Hospital Sligo Patient
"The Housekeeping staff keep the hospital spotlessly clean" > > >, Kingsbridge Private Hospital Sligo Patient
"The dedicated attention to my child made a difficult and stressful time easier for us" > > >, Kingsbridge Private Hospital Sligo Patient
"You as a hospital should be proud of the ethos that you actually put in to practice – caring, compassionate individualised care, where the patient is treated with dignity – EXCEPTIONAL" > > >, Kingsbridge Private Hospital Sligo Patient
"Great doctors and nurses, they made my stay easier" > > >, Kingsbridge Private Hospital Sligo Patient
"Great follow up – I got a call the next day and could call them for advice" > > >, Kingsbridge Private Hospital Sligo Patient

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