About Tonsillectomy
Key Highlights
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Provides long-term relief from chronic or recurrent tonsillitis.Can resolve sleep-disordered breathing and obstructive sleep apnea caused by enlarged tonsils.Eliminates the source of frequent throat infections and associated antibiotic use.Modern surgical techniques minimize pain, bleeding, and recovery time.Can improve overall quality of life, sleep quality, and daytime alertness.
Who is this surgery for?
- Recurrent tonsillitis (typically 7 or more episodes in one year, 5 per year for two years, or 3 per year for three years).
- Chronic tonsillitis not responsive to antibiotic therapy.
- Peritonsillar abscess (quinsy) that does not respond to drainage and medication.
- Obstructive sleep apnea or sleep-disordered breathing due to tonsillar hypertrophy.
- Difficulty swallowing or breathing caused by significantly enlarged tonsils.
- Suspected malignancy or tumor of the tonsils (rare).
How to prepare
- Complete a thorough pre-operative evaluation, including medical history and physical exam.
- Undergo necessary blood tests to check for bleeding disorders or anemia.
- Inform the surgeon of all medications, including blood thinners, which may need to be stopped.
- Fast (no food or drink) for 6-8 hours before the surgery as directed for general anesthesia.
- Arrange for transportation home and for help during the initial recovery days.
- Discuss anesthesia options and any allergies with the anesthesiologist.
Risks & possible complications
- Bleeding during or after surgery (primary or secondary hemorrhage).
- Reaction to anesthesia, including nausea, vomiting, or rare serious complications.
- Infection at the surgical site.
- Dehydration and difficulty swallowing due to throat pain.
- Temporary or permanent changes in voice or taste.
- Rare complications like injury to teeth, gums, or surrounding tissues.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Expect a sore throat and ear pain for 7-14 days, often peaking around days 5-7.
- Stay hydrated with cool, non-acidic fluids. Ice chips and popsicles are soothing.
- Eat a soft, bland diet (e.g., mashed potatoes, yogurt, applesauce) and avoid hard, crunchy, or spicy foods.
- Get plenty of rest and avoid strenuous activity for at least two weeks.
- Take prescribed pain medications as directed to manage discomfort.
- Watch for signs of complications, such as bright red bleeding, high fever, or inability to drink fluids, and contact your doctor immediately if they occur.
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Typical hospital stay: 1 day (often outpatient or 24-hour observation)
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Expected recovery time: 10-14 days for return to normal diet and activities, with full healing taking up to 3 weeks
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering tonsillectomy in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Popular choices for tonsillectomy in India include Manipal Hospital Dwarka, Manipal Hospital Jayanagar, Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram, Manipal Hospital Hebbal, Manipal Hospital Hebbal, KMC Hospital Mangalore, known for experienced specialists and advanced surgical infrastructure.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform tonsillectomy. MediFyr helps you compare ent specialists and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for tonsillectomy compare across other countries where we have data.
| Country | Estimated cost range | Typical stay | Recovery time | View details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| India | INR 35 Thousand – 85 Thousand | 1 day (often outpatient or 24-hour observation) | ~ 10-14 days for return to normal diet and activities, with full healing taking up to 3 weeks | Know More |
| Turkey | TRY 123 Thousand – 298 Thousand | 1 day (often outpatient or 24-hour observation) | ~ 10-14 days for return to normal diet and activities, with full healing taking up to 3 weeks | Know More |
Top hospitals for Tonsillectomy in India
These partner hospitals in India have dedicated ent teams and experience managing patients undergoing tonsillectomy.
Navya Malhotra, a 28-year-old junior architect,...
Navya Malhotra, a 28-year-old junior architect, had suffered from recurrent severe tonsillitis since childhood. Her demanding job made the frequent bouts of illness, characterized by high fever, debilitating throat pain, and difficulty swallowing, increasingly unsustainable. She would miss critical project deadlines, feeling both physically drained and professionally guilty. After her fifth infection in a single year, her ENT, Dr. Sharma, recommended a tonsillectomy. He explained that as an adult, her recovery would be more challenging but that the procedure would likely break the cycle of infection. Navya was terrified of the pain and taking two weeks off work but felt she had no choice. The surgery itself was straightforward, but the first week of recovery was brutal, with pain that made eating and talking nearly impossible. She felt isolated and frustrated. However, by the third week, a turning point arrived. The constant low-grade throat soreness she had lived with for years was gone. Six months later, Navya hasn't had a single throat infection. The emotional relief is profound; she no longer lives in fear of the next illness and feels a new energy in her career and personal life.
ENT Specialists for Tonsillectomy
Explore experienced ent specialists who regularly perform tonsillectomy and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 16 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 21 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 14 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 9 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
- 26 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore
- 24 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore
- 21 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore
- 18 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore
- 43 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 38 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 36 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 24 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 29 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 20 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Patiala, Patiala
- 10 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Patiala, Patiala
- 14 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Mysore, Mysore
- 14 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Mysore, Mysore
- 19 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram, Bangalore
- 8 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Kharadi, Pune
- 26 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Jayanagar, Bangalore