Paediatric Tonsillectomy – A Guide for Parents in Hampshire
Tonsil problems are one of the most common reasons children are referred to an ENT specialist. Recurrent sore throats, sleep disturbance, snoring, and breathing issues can have a major impact on a child’s wellbeing, behaviour, and school attendance.
At Hampshire ENT Clinics, and the Harbour Private Wing at Queen Alexandra Hosptial, we provide expert diagnosis and modern surgical options for children needing tonsillectomy across Portsmouth, Southampton, Winchester, Salisbury and the wider Hampshire region.
This guide explains when tonsillectomy is recommended, what the procedure involves, and what parents can expect during recovery.
👶 What Do Tonsils Do?
Tonsils sit at the back of the throat and help detect viruses and bacteria.
In some children, however, they become overactive or chronically inflamed. This can lead to:
Frequent sore throats
Persistent tonsillitis
Snoring or disturbed sleep
Breathing difficulties during sleep
Swallowing problems
Bad breath
Recurrent ear infections
When symptoms become persistent or severe, tonsillectomy may be the most effective treatment.
📌 When Is Tonsillectomy Recommended?
Tonsillectomy may be advised if your child has:
1. Recurrent Tonsillitis
Typically 7 episodes in one year
OR 5 episodes per year for 2 years
OR 3 episodes per year for 3 years
Episodes must be significant enough to affect eating, sleeping or school attendance.
2. Obstructive Sleep-Disordered Breathing
Enlarged tonsils can cause:
Loud snoring
Pauses in breathing (sleep apnoea)
Restless sleep
Bedwetting
Behavioural or concentration problems
Tonsillectomy (often with adenoidectomy) can dramatically improve sleep and daytime functioning.
3. Difficulty Swallowing or Feeding
Very enlarged tonsils may limit a child’s ability to swallow solids comfortably.
4. Recurrent Peritonsillar Abscess (Quinsy)
Even one severe episode may be enough to justify removal.
🛠️ Modern Tonsillectomy Techniques at Hampshire ENT
At our Hampshire sites, we use evidence-based surgical techniques tailored to each child, including:
✦ Coblation® Tonsillectomy
A modern method using radiofrequency energy and saline to gently remove tonsils.
Benefits include:
Less postoperative pain
Less tissue trauma
Faster recovery
Lower risk of bleeding compared with older “hot” techniques
✦ Cold Steel Tonsillectomy
Traditional method, selective for specific cases.
✦ Adenoidectomy (When Needed)
Often combined with tonsillectomy for sleep, breathing or glue ear issues.
All procedures are performed by consultant ENT surgeons with extensive paediatric experience.
🏥 The Day of Surgery
Performed under general anaesthetic
Usually a day-case procedure
Children recover in a dedicated paediatric environment
Parents can stay throughout the journey
Your child can go home once they are comfortable, drinking fluids and alert.
🌈 Recovery – What Parents Should Expect
Pain after tonsillectomy is normal and may last 7–14 days. We provide a clear, safe pain relief plan including:
Regular paracetamol
Regular ibuprofen
Adequate hydration
Eating normally (rough foods help healing)
Other expected symptoms:
Bad breath for 1–2 weeks
White “scabs” on the tonsil beds
Ear pain (referred pain)
Your care team will provide written guidance on managing recovery safely.
When to Seek Help
Bright red bleeding
Dehydration
Persistent vomiting
Sudden increase in pain or fever
We provide fast access advice and follow-up for all families.
🌟 Why Parents in Hampshire Choose Us
Consultant-led paediatric ENT care
Expertise in Coblation® tonsillectomy
Local clinics across Portsmouth, Southampton, Winchester, Salisbury
Dedicated paediatric surgical facilities
High-quality, friendly family support
Clear communication and follow-up
👉 If you’re concerned about your child’s tonsils, snoring or frequent infections, contact Hampshire ENT Clinics for an assessment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Tonsillectomy in Children
What is a tonsillectomy?
A tonsillectomy is an operation to remove the tonsils. It is one of the most common paediatric ENT procedures and is performed to reduce recurrent infections or relieve airway obstruction during sleep.
Why might my child need their tonsils removed?
Tonsillectomy is usually recommended for one of two main reasons:
Recurrent tonsillitis causing repeated illness and missed school
Sleep-disordered breathing or sleep apnoea due to enlarged tonsils
Less commonly, it may be advised for swallowing difficulties, recurrent quinsy, or severe tonsil-related symptoms.
How many throat infections are considered “recurrent”?
Guidelines typically suggest tonsillectomy if a child has:
7 or more significant episodes in one year, or
5 per year for two consecutive years, or
3 per year for three consecutive years
Episodes should be severe enough to affect eating, sleep, or school attendance.
Does snoring alone mean my child needs a tonsillectomy?
Not always. However, regular loud snoring, pauses in breathing, restless sleep, bedwetting, or daytime behavioural and concentration problems suggest obstructive sleep-disordered breathing, where tonsillectomy (often with adenoidectomy) can be very effective.
What is Coblation® tonsillectomy?
Coblation® is a modern technique that uses radiofrequency energy and saline to remove the tonsils gently. Compared with older techniques, it is associated with:
Less tissue damage
Reduced postoperative pain
Faster recovery
Lower risk of bleeding
It is commonly used in children.
Is tonsillectomy safe?
Yes. Tonsillectomy is a well-established and safe operation when performed by experienced paediatric ENT surgeons. As with any surgery, there are risks, but serious complications are uncommon.
Is the operation done as a day case?
Yes. Most children go home the same day once they are comfortable, drinking fluids, and fully awake after the anaesthetic.
How painful is recovery after tonsillectomy?
Throat pain is expected and can last 7–14 days. Pain may also be felt in the ears (referred pain). A clear pain relief plan using regular paracetamol and ibuprofen is essential and provided to parents.
What should my child eat after surgery?
Children are encouraged to:
Drink plenty of fluids
Eat a normal diet as tolerated
Surprisingly, rough foods (such as toast or cereal) can help healing by keeping the throat clean.
What is normal during recovery?
Common and expected features include:
Bad breath for 1–2 weeks
White or yellowish scabs where the tonsils were
Ear pain
Variable energy levels
These are all part of normal healing.
When should I seek urgent medical advice after tonsillectomy?
You should seek urgent help if your child has:
Bright red bleeding from the mouth or nose
Signs of dehydration (not drinking, very dark urine)
Persistent vomiting
High fever or sudden worsening pain
Clear emergency instructions are always provided.
Will tonsillectomy affect my child’s immune system?
No. Tonsils are only a small part of the immune system. Removing them does not increase the risk of infections long term.
What benefits do parents usually notice after tonsillectomy?
Many parents report:
Fewer throat infections
Improved sleep and quieter nights
Better concentration and behaviour
Improved energy and mood
Better school attendance
For children with sleep problems, improvements can be dramatic.
Where is my child assessed and treated?
Consultant-led paediatric ENT assessment and tonsillectomy are available at Hampshire ENT Clinics and the Harbour Private Wing at Queen Alexandra Hospital, caring for families across Portsmouth, Southampton, Winchester, Salisbury, and the wider Hampshire region.