Tonsillectomy is one of the most common ENT surgeries — removing chronically infected or enlarged tonsils to treat recurrent tonsillitis and sleep-disordered breathing.
Tonsillectomy — surgical removal of the palatine tonsils — is one of the most frequently performed surgical procedures in paediatric medicine. Indications include recurrent tonsillitis (typically 7+ episodes in one year, 5+ per year for two consecutive years, or 3+ per year for three consecutive years), peritonsillar abscess (quinsy), obstructive sleep apnoea from tonsillar hypertrophy, tonsillar asymmetry suspicious of malignancy, and very rarely, haemorrhagic tonsillitis.
In Korea, tonsillectomy is performed by ENT surgeons at university hospitals, dedicated children's hospitals, and private ENT clinics nationwide. The procedure is performed under general anaesthesia. Techniques include conventional cold steel dissection, electrocautery, radiofrequency coblation, and harmonic scalpel — each with different post-operative pain and bleeding profiles. Coblation and cold steel techniques have the lowest thermal damage and may offer better post-operative pain control.
Recovery from tonsillectomy takes 10–14 days. Post-operative throat pain is significant — regular simple analgesia (paracetamol and ibuprofen, alternating) is important. A soft diet for 2 weeks is advised. Post-operative bleeding (haemorrhage) is the most serious complication — occurring in 1–3% of cases, most commonly between days 5–10 when the tonsillar scabs separate. Patients must avoid dry, scratchy foods (crisps, toast) during recovery and must attend emergency if they experience any bleeding post-operatively.
Key Points
- Most common indication: recurrent tonsillitis (7+ episodes/year)
- Also used for: obstructive sleep apnoea, peritonsillar abscess
- Recovery: 10–14 days, soft diet throughout
- Post-operative bleeding (1–3%): most common between days 5–10 — emergency if any bleeding
- Regular paracetamol + ibuprofen for pain management during recovery
- Available at university hospital ENT departments, children's hospitals, and private ENT clinics
When to See a Doctor
- 7 or more tonsillitis episodes in one year
- Persistent difficulty swallowing or breathing due to enlarged tonsils
- Children with obstructive sleep apnoea from tonsillar hypertrophy
- Peritonsillar abscess (quinsy)
- Any bleeding after tonsillectomy — emergency department immediately
For emergencies in Korea, call 119
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This content is published for educational purposes only. For accurate diagnosis and personalised treatment, consult a licensed KMA physician in Korea.
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This article is published by DoctorsInKorea.com for educational and informational purposes only. It does not replace a professional clinical evaluation by a licensed healthcare provider. For accurate medical diagnosis and personalised treatment paths, please book an appointment with a licensed KMA physician. For immediate life-threatening medical emergencies in Korea, please call 119.
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Last reviewed: March 1, 2025