Tonsillectomy
An operation to remove the tonsils, usually because of repeated throat infections or blocked breathing in sleep.
The tonsils are two soft pads at the back of the throat. When they cause repeated infections, or when they are large enough to block breathing during sleep, removing them helps. The operation is done through the mouth, so there is no cut on the outside.
In children, large tonsils and adenoids are a common cause of snoring and disturbed sleep. In adults, the more usual reason is a run of throat infections that keep coming back.
Children and adults who have had several throat infections in a year, or whose sleep is disturbed by large tonsils. A consultation weighs how much the tonsils are affecting daily life against what an operation involves.
Dr. Shebli examines the throat, asks how often infections happen and how sleep is affected, and explains whether removing the tonsils is likely to help. For a child, the conversation is with the parent, at a pace the child is comfortable with.
The consultation lasts twenty minutes.
Tonsillectomy is performed under general anaesthetic in a licensed private hospital in Limassol. It is usually a day case or a single overnight stay.
Tonsillectomy is carried out privately and is available through GESY where the criteria are met. The route is confirmed at the consultation, and it sets the deposit amount for booking.
What the first two weeks are like
- Days 1 to 3The throat is sore, often more so towards the ears, and swallowing is uncomfortable. Regular pain relief, cold drinks and soft food help. Eating normally actually speeds healing.
- Days 4 to 7Soreness often peaks around this point before it improves, and a white coating appears where the tonsils were. This is normal healing, not infection.
- Week 2Swallowing becomes steadily easier. Adults usually take up to two weeks off work or school; children often recover a little faster.
- SafetyAny fresh bleeding from the throat needs to be checked the same day. The clinic explains exactly who to contact before you leave hospital.
Recovery differs from person to person, and children and adults heal differently. This is a general guide, not a promise, and your plan is given at the consultation.