Tonsil removal (tonsillectomy) using COBLATION™ Plasma Technology at Brentwood Hospital

FAQs

• How many tonsillitis infections does it take before surgery is considered?

  One widely used guide for children is the ‘7-5-3 rule’: at least 7 episodes of tonsillitis in the past year, 5 or more in each of the past 2 years, or 3 or more in each of the past 3 years. For adults, other guidance instead points to more than 4 episodes a year as a general threshold.

• Can I stay with my child during the operation?

  You can usually stay with your child until the anaesthetic is given, after which you'll need to wait in the waiting room until surgery is finished. This is because the operation is carried out under general anaesthetic.

• Will I have visible scars afterwards?

  No. The operation is performed through the mouth, so there are no external cuts and no visible scarring afterwards.

• Is Coblation better than other methods?

  Coblation is one of several methods used to remove the tonsils, alongside heat-based tools, a powered shaver, or traditional scissors. Sources describe it as a way of removing some or all of the tonsil tissue using radiofrequency energy rather than a blade, though they don't directly compare its results with other techniques.

• Why might I get earache after the operation?

  The tonsils and ears share some of the same nerves, so pain can be felt in the ear even though the ear itself hasn't been operated on. This is normal and usually settles within a few days.

• When should I seek urgent medical help after the operation?

  Contact your medical team or seek urgent care if you have persistent or worsening bleeding, can't drink enough fluids, develop a high temperature, or have any difficulty breathing. These can be signs of infection, dehydration, or bleeding that need prompt attention.