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Tonsillectomy (Tonsil Surgery)

For the child who misses school every month and the adult with endless throat infections — modern tonsil surgery, done for the right reasons.

Recurrent Tonsillitis

What is tonsillectomy?

Tonsillectomy is removal of the palatine tonsils, indicated for genuinely recurrent tonsillitis (by accepted frequency criteria), peritonsillar abscess, or tonsils so large they obstruct breathing during sleep — a major, under-recognised cause of snoring, restless sleep and poor daytime concentration in children. Not every sore throat needs surgery; the criteria exist to separate the children and adults who truly benefit.

Know the Signs

Experiencing any of these symptoms?

Common symptoms

  • ✓ Throat infections 5–7+ times a year needing antibiotics
  • ✓ Missed school or work with every episode
  • ✓ Loud snoring, mouth-breathing or pauses in breathing during sleep (children)
  • ✓ Difficulty swallowing due to tonsil size
  • ✓ Persistent bad breath from tonsil debris

See a doctor urgently for

  • ✓ Severe one-sided throat pain with inability to open the mouth (abscess)
  • ✓ Drooling and inability to swallow
  • ✓ Breathing difficulty

Emergency 24×7: 091551 00001

Diagnosis

How is it diagnosed?

ENT examination of the tonsils and throat, an infection-frequency history mapped against standard criteria, and for suspected sleep-disordered breathing, targeted evaluation. Blood tests complete fitness for anaesthesia.

Treatment Options

Your treatment options, honestly explained

Non-surgical management

Individual episodes are treated with appropriate antibiotics and supportive care; borderline frequency justifies a season of watchful waiting, as many children improve with age. Surgery earns its place when the criteria are clearly met or sleep is affected.

Surgical treatment at Bawa Hospital

Tonsillectomy under general anaesthesia takes around 30–45 minutes using modern dissection/coblation-type techniques that minimise bleeding. Usually one night in hospital; children are typically eating ice cream the same evening — the traditional reward stands.

We recommend surgery only when it is genuinely the best option for you — and explain why, in plain language, before you decide.

Recovery

What recovery looks like

Day 0–1

Surgery and overnight observation; cold soft diet begins immediately.

Day 2–7

Throat discomfort managed with regular painkillers; soft diet.

Week 1

School/work usually possible towards the end of the week.

Week 2

Full healing; normal diet and activity.

Timelines are typical for uncomplicated cases — your surgeon will give you a personalised plan.

Cost & Insurance

Transparent pricing, no surprises

What decides the cost?

The final cost depends on the technique used, the complexity of your case, the type of room you choose and your length of stay. After your consultation you receive a clear, itemised estimate — before you decide anything.

Using health insurance?

Bring your policy details or insurance card and our front-desk team will help you with the paperwork and coordination with your insurer from admission through discharge.

Serving North India

Patients travel to us from across the region

Bawa Hospital in Ludhiana treats patients from across Punjab — including Chandigarh, Mohali, Jalandhar, Amritsar, Patiala, Bathinda, Moga and Khanna — as well as Delhi NCR, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir.

For outstation patients we plan the consultation, pre-operative tests and surgery to minimise trips — often completed in a single visit, with follow-up support on WhatsApp.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Does removing tonsils weaken immunity?

No — this is the most persistent myth about tonsillectomy. The rest of the throat’s immune tissue takes over fully; large studies show no meaningful immune deficit. Meanwhile, chronic infected tonsils were doing more harm than good.

How many infections justify surgery?

Standard criteria: about 7 episodes in one year, 5 per year over two years, or 3 per year over three years — or fewer, if episodes are severe, cause abscess or affect breathing in sleep. We count honestly with you.

Is the surgery risky?

Tonsillectomy is one of the commonest operations worldwide. The main risk — bleeding — is uncommon with modern techniques and managed by keeping patients overnight and giving clear instructions for the healing fortnight.

My child snores badly — is that really the tonsils?

Very often, yes. Enlarged tonsils and adenoids are the leading cause of obstructive sleep symptoms in children — and treating them improves sleep, behaviour, concentration and even growth.

Medically reviewed by Prof. (Dr.) Ashvind Bawa, MS FACS — Director, Surgical Services · Last reviewed July 2026

End the infection cycle

Honest counting, clear criteria, modern surgery — for children and adults.