Tonsil removal (tonsillectomy) using COBLATION™ Plasma Technology at Nuffield Health at St Bartholomew's Hospital

A minimally-invasive alternative way to remove the tonsils and adenoids.

Unlike a traditional surgical knife or “electrocautery” (heat) procedure, tonsillectomy and/or adenoidectomy using COBLATION™ Plasma Technology can be used to reduce the size of your tonsils and remove your adenoids with little harm to surrounding healthy tissue.

What is Coblation^TM technology?

COBLATION™ Technology utilises radiofrequency energy to remove tissue. Because the COBLATION™ process is not a heat-driven process, surrounding healthy tissue is preserved.

How is tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy using COBLATION™ Technology performed?

This surgery is almost always done under general anaesthesia and it only lasts about 30 minutes. The surgeon uses a special hand piece which utilises radiofrequency energy to reduce the tonsil tissue and remove the adenoids in a near bloodless fashion. Most patients can go home the same day.

Going home and recovery

When you leave the hospital, you may get a prescription for pain medication and antibiotics to help fight infections.

You should:

• rest at home for a few days to a week
• avoid vigorous physical activities for a week or two.

You may:

• have a sore throat and a hard time swallowing for a few days
• find softer foods easier to eat and swallow but most food is OK.

Risk and complications

Every surgical procedure carries a degree of risk. Your consultant will discuss all the possible risks with you during your consultation.

As with all tonsillectomy procedures, in addition to general anaesthesia risks, 2-3% of tonsillectomy patients can experience post-op bleeding (up to 5-10 days after surgery). Fever can be present, and dehydration and weight loss can occur, especially among children who won’t eat or drink due to pain.