Tonsil stone removal costs, London

Tonsil Stone Removal Procedure Summary

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When do we recommend tonsil stone surgery?

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Laser surgery is a highly effective method of dealing with persistent tonsil stones. There are two approaches to this:

• Intracapsular laser vapourisation tonsillectomy is the gold standard, but this requires general anaesthesia, and is quite sore for a week post op (although patients usually eat normally)

• Laser tonsillectomy under local anaesthetic spray

 

In most instances though we'd recommend a laser tonsillectomy - the tonsils are partially removed using local anaesthetic spray only - no injections. Its a lunchtime procedure - patients go straight back to work.

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Where would the surgery take place?

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In most instances the surgery would take place at the The Hospital of St. John and St. Elizabeth in North London or Spire Roding Hospital in East London. Tonsillotomy can also be performed at HealthHub in South London.

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Time between consultation and procedure

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Times may vary, but we can typically perform the operation within 14 days of consultation.

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Pre-operative information

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The laser tonsillotomy operation takes place under local anaesthetic. Patients are required to not eat and drink in the 6 hours preceding the procedure, although clear water can be taken up to 3 hours pre-op. Patients are required to arrive at the Hospital at least two hours prior to their operation time slot.

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Tonsil Stones Removal Procedure Duration

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Tonsillotomy takes about 10 minutes. Patients are given a hot drink and biscuit once the numbness has worn off. They are free to go half an hour after the procedure.The procedure itself if performed sitting upright in a dental-type chair. The local anaesthetic spray wears off 10 minutes or so after the procedure has been completed. Intracapsular tonsillectomy takes 20 minutes, patients are kept for a minimum of 4 hours post op.

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Post-operative information

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Painkillers are not prescribed by the Hospital. Simple over-the-counter medication such as paracetamol or ibuprofen are all that is required with tonsillotomy. Intracapsular tonsillectomy requires diclofenac and codeine for a week. 

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Is a follow up consultation required and does this cost extra?

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A follow up consultation is required and included in the fees but usually no further meetings are required thereafter. This typically takes place around four weeks after the surgery. If you experience unexpected follow up issues thereafter we would initially speak with you on the phone. If required we would book an extra follow up consultation.

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Need more information on laser tonsillectomy?

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• See our Tonsil Stones web page

• Read our Tonsil Stones blog

• See our Tonsil Stones FAQ page for answers to common questions related to tonsils, tonsillitis and laser surgery for tonsil treatment

• Contact us to book a consultation or to get further information