Tonsil stone treatment (laser tonsillectomy) costs, London

Tonsil Stone Treatment 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. Walk in, walk out, low levels of pain.

 

In most instances though we'd recommend a laser tonsillectomy under local anaesthetic spray - the tonsils are substantially but not totally  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 HealthHub in South London Zone 2, easy access from all over London. General anaesthetic procedures are performed at Spire London East Hospital in East London. 

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Time between consultation and procedure

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Times may vary, but we can typically perform the operation on the same day or within a few days.

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Pre-operative information

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The laser tonsillectomy under local anaesthetic operation (also known as tonsillotomy, tonsil resurfacing) takes place under local anaesthetic. Patients can eat and drink normally before and after. We encourage immediate return to work where possible!

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Tonsil Stones Treatment Procedure Duration

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Laser Tonsillectomy/tonsillotomy takes about 10 minutes.  Patients are free to go half an hour after the procedure. The procedure itself is performed sitting upright in a dental-type chair. The local anaesthetic spray wears off 10 minutes or so after the procedure has been completed after which patients can swallow and talk normally.

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Post-operative information

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Painkillers are not prescribed by the Clinic/Hospital. Simple over-the-counter medication such as paracetamol or ibuprofen are all that is required with local anaesthetic tonsillectomy/tonsillotomy. Intracapsular tonsillectomy under general anaesthetic 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