How severe is the pain after tonsillectomy?

Sore throat when swallowing is part of the experience for one to two weeks and can radiate to the ears — often more severe in adults than in children. With painkillers taken regularly according to the doctor's plan, the pain is well controllable.

What can you eat after the operation?

Soft, cool and mild food: ice cream, yoghurt, pudding, soft pasta. Hot, spicy, acidic and hard foods irritate the wounds and should be avoided for one to two weeks. Most importantly, it is essential to drink enough fluids.

How dangerous is post-operative bleeding?

Post-operative bleeding is rare, but it is the most serious complication — it can occur up to about ten days after the procedure. Any bleeding from the mouth must therefore be assessed by a doctor immediately, even if it appears to stop on its own.

Does the immune system become weaker without tonsils?

No. The defence function of the palatine tonsils is taken over by other lymphatic tissue in the pharyngeal ring. Studies show no relevant weakening of the immune system after removal.

How long will school or work be missed?

Children usually stay at home for one to two weeks, adults are similarly unable to work — longer in the case of physically demanding work. Sport is only advisable again after about two weeks.

Do enlarged tonsils in children always have to be completely removed?

No. If it is primarily about the size — for example, in the case of snoring with breathing interruptions — partial removal is often sufficient, which is gentler and bleeds less afterwards. In cases of repeated purulent infections, complete removal is more likely to be chosen; the ENT doctor will advise you on this.

Tonsillectomy — Procedure, Preparation & Cost

When the palatine tonsils are repeatedly infected with pus or are so large that they interfere with breathing and sleeping, their removal — complete or partial — may be the solution. The procedure affects children and adults alike and is one of the most common operations in the ear, nose and throat field; the decision is made carefully, as the tonsils are part of the immune system.

Typical Areas of Use

Recurrent purulent tonsillitis
Severely enlarged tonsils with snoring and breathing interruptions
Swallowing and speech problems caused by large tonsils in children
Abscess next to the tonsil (peritonsillar abscess)
Chronic tonsillitis with bad breath and coating

How It Works

1The ENT doctor checks whether complete removal or — especially in children with enlarged tonsils — partial removal makes sense.
2The procedure is performed under general anaesthesia through the open mouth; there are no external incisions.
3The tonsils are completely removed or reduced in size using gentle methods; bleeding is carefully controlled.
4After waking up, you or your child will be monitored; depending on age, procedure and clinic, you will stay in hospital for one or more nights.

How to Prepare

Attend fasting according to the instructions of the anaesthesia team — particularly important for children, explained in an age-appropriate way.
Be sure to report blood-thinning medication and coagulation disorders in the family in advance.
Prepare soft, cool foods (ice cream, yoghurt, pudding) for the time afterwards.
Plan for one to two weeks of recovery — for children with care at home, no school or nursery.

Side Effects & Risks

Significant sore throat when swallowing for one to two weeks, often radiating to the ears — this is to be expected and is managed with painkillers.
Post-operative bleeding is the most important complication: it can also occur five to ten days after the procedure when the wound coating comes off, and must always be assessed by a doctor immediately.
Temporarily altered voice or altered sense of taste.
General anaesthesia risks, which the anaesthesia team will discuss in advance.

Afterwards — and When to Seek Help

For the first one to two weeks, the following applies: physical rest, soft and cool food, plenty of fluids — no hot, spicy, sour, or hard foods and no strenuous activity, so that the wound coatings are not detached prematurely. Whitish-grey coatings in the throat and bad breath are normal during this phase, as are ear pain when swallowing. In the event of any bleeding from the mouth — even one that seems minor — contact the clinic immediately or go to the emergency department; in the event of heavier bleeding, call the emergency number 144. Also in the case of high fever or if drinking is barely possible, please get in touch immediately.

Cost & Insurance

Medically justified tonsillectomy — for example, in cases of recurrent infections or breathing interruptions — is covered by basic insurance, including hospital stay in the general ward; the deductible and co-payment apply as usual, with lower rates for children. Referral is made via your paediatrician or general practitioner to the ENT specialist. If in doubt, check with your insurer — no guarantee.

Frequently Asked Questions

How severe is the pain after tonsillectomy?: Sore throat when swallowing is part of the experience for one to two weeks and can radiate to the ears — often more severe in adults than in children. With painkillers taken regularly according to the doctor's plan, the pain is well controllable.
What can you eat after the operation?: Soft, cool and mild food: ice cream, yoghurt, pudding, soft pasta. Hot, spicy, acidic and hard foods irritate the wounds and should be avoided for one to two weeks. Most importantly, it is essential to drink enough fluids.
How dangerous is post-operative bleeding?: Post-operative bleeding is rare, but it is the most serious complication — it can occur up to about ten days after the procedure. Any bleeding from the mouth must therefore be assessed by a doctor immediately, even if it appears to stop on its own.
Does the immune system become weaker without tonsils?: No. The defence function of the palatine tonsils is taken over by other lymphatic tissue in the pharyngeal ring. Studies show no relevant weakening of the immune system after removal.
How long will school or work be missed?: Children usually stay at home for one to two weeks, adults are similarly unable to work — longer in the case of physically demanding work. Sport is only advisable again after about two weeks.
Do enlarged tonsils in children always have to be completely removed?: No. If it is primarily about the size — for example, in the case of snoring with breathing interruptions — partial removal is often sufficient, which is gentler and bleeds less afterwards. In cases of repeated purulent infections, complete removal is more likely to be chosen; the ENT doctor will advise you on this.