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Tonsillectomy

Tonsillectomy is the surgical removal of the tonsils. The operation is performed when the tonsils are chronically inflamed, too large, or cause recurrent tonsillitis, breathing difficulties, or sleep apnea. Removal alleviates symptoms and reduces the frequency of infections.

Text reviewed by specialist:

dr Risto Vaikjärv

Ear, nose, and throat specialist, Somnologist

Published

Text updated

When to see a specialist

  • Recurrent tonsillitis: Treatment guidelines recommend surgery if there are more than 5-7 tonsillitis episodes per year or a significant number of infections over several years (usually 3-5). 
  • Obstructive sleep apnea and snoring: Large tonsils can narrow the airways during sleep, causing breathing difficulties, snoring, and overall deterioration of sleep quality. 
  • Peritonsillar abscess: In cases of recurrent peritonsillar abscesses, tonsillectomy reduces their occurrence. 
  • Tonsil stones/plugs: Whitish/yellowish pieces that accumulate in the tonsils. They are not dangerous but can cause unpleasant breath and a feeling of a lump in the throat.

Common symptoms

  • Bad breath
    Bad breath is a symptom in which a persistent unpleasant odor is emitted from the mouth, which may indicate problems with oral hygiene or diseases.

  • Disturbing tonsil plugs

    Food debris, bacteria, and dead cells accumulate in the tonsil crypts, forming plugs with an unpleasant odor.

  • Frequent tonsillitis

    Recurrent bacterial or viral infections that cause inflammation and swelling of the tonsils.

  • Obstructive sleep apnea

    A condition in which enlarged tonsils block the airway during sleep, causing interruptions in breathing.

How to prepare for your appointment

  • Bring your ID card or other identification document to the clinic. 
  • Before the operation, an ENT consultation is necessary to assess the suitability of the operation. 
  • Always inform the doctor about all your medications, supplements, and allergies. Blood-thinning medications should not be used for at least 14 days before surgery or as directed by your doctor. Omega-3 and cod liver oil supplements increase the risk of bleeding and should be avoided 14 days before surgery. 
  • Come for the operation only when completely healthy. There should be no fever, acute cough, or rhinitis at the time of the operation. Inform the clinic if you have fallen ill.

What to expect during your appointment

Consultation

Before the operation, an ENT consultation is necessary to assess the general health condition and the suitability and necessity of the operation. 

On the day of the operation

Before the operation under general anesthesia, you must not have eaten for at least 6 hours and not drunk for at least 4 hours. 

Operation

Tonsillectomy is performed under general anesthesia. If the problem is breathing obstruction, partial tonsillectomy, or tonsillotomy, may also be offered.

After the operation

After the operation, the patient is monitored for a few hours in the recovery room. Tonsillectomy is a day surgery operation, and you can go home on the same day.

Recovery

Recovery from the operation takes an average of 2-3 weeks. It is recommended to avoid physical exertion for a little longer. During recovery, there will be pain when swallowing, which is why proper pain management, as advised by your doctor, is important. 

Follow-up

If necessary, a follow-up appointment will take place 4-6 weeks later by phone or in person.

Specialists providing this service

Payment & Appointment Info

Prices

Tallinn

Special care
Service Price
Tonsillectomy The need for and suitability of the procedure will be assessed during a prior consultation with a specialist in Meliva, and the decision to proceed will be made jointly with the specialist. 950 €

Everywhere else in Estonia

Special care
Service Price
Tonsillectomy The need for and suitability of the procedure will be assessed during a prior consultation with a specialist in Meliva, and the decision to proceed will be made jointly with the specialist. 950 €
Payment methods

With a doctor’s referral, Meliva Health Insurance covers this service under Inpatient Care coverage. Check your personal coverage limits in the ERGO app.

The service at Tartu Kvartal clinic is funded by the Health Insurance Fund based on a referral. To book an appointment funded by the Health Insurance Fund, please call +372 605 1500 or write to klienditugi@meliva.ee.

Referral

An appointment with a specialist is required first to assess whether the service is suitable or necessary.

Clinics offering this service

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Frequently Asked Questions

When and in what cases are tonsils partially removed?

Partial tonsil removal is called tonsillotomy. It is done in cases of large tonsils with the aim of widening the airways while preserving the function of the tonsils. 

Will I no longer get throat diseases after tonsil removal?

After the operation, a person can still get viral infections and pharyngitis. However, severe tonsillitis, episodes with high fever, and infections requiring antibiotics usually decrease. 

Are tonsil stones dangerous? 

Tonsil stones are mostly unpleasant but not dangerous. They consist of food debris, bacteria, and dead cells. Tonsil stones can cause bad breath, discomfort, or a feeling of something in the throat.