ENT & Sleep
Tonsillectomy & Adenoidectomy
Tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy remove chronically infected or enlarged tonsils and adenoids to treat recurrent sore throats, sleep apnea, and breathing problems. Modern techniques reduce bleeding and recovery time for appropriate outpatient candidates.
AVERAGE PROCEDURE TIME
30 to 45 minutes
Anesthesia
General anesthesia
Recovery
Same day discharge
Ride home
Required if you receive sedation
Overview
Chronically infected or enlarged tonsils and adenoids cause repeated strep, difficulty swallowing, snoring, and obstructive sleep apnea, especially in children.
Removal is performed entirely through the mouth using techniques that limit bleeding and postoperative pain in appropriate outpatient candidates.
Is this right for me?
Candidacy is confirmed after a review of your history, imaging, and medications. Patients we most often treat include those with:
- Seven throat infections in a year, or repeated infections over multiple years
- Sleep apnea or loud snoring with pauses
- Difficulty swallowing or chronic mouth breathing
- Recurrent tonsil stones or abscess
What to expect, step by step
Arrival and preparation
You check in with a coordinator, change into a gown, and meet your nurse. Vitals are taken, an IV is started if needed, and your care team reviews the plan and answers questions with your caregiver present.
Removal
Tonsil tissue is removed from its capsule and, when indicated, adenoid tissue is reduced through the mouth.
Hemostasis
Bleeding is controlled meticulously and the airway is checked before waking.
Recovery suite
You rest in a private recovery bay while your nurse monitors vitals and comfort. Written instructions are reviewed with you and your caregiver before discharge.
Home the same day
A caregiver drives you home. A member of our team calls the next business day to check on you and confirm your follow-up appointment.
Recovery
Hydration and scheduled pain medication are the two things that determine comfort. Cold fluids help.
Adults need about two weeks off; children usually recover in seven to ten days. Ear pain around day five is normal referred pain.
Risks and what we watch for
Every procedure carries risk. These are the ones we discuss most often for this procedure.
- Bleeding, bruising, or soreness at the access site or incision
- Infection, which is why sterile technique and, when indicated, antibiotics are used
- Reaction to sedation, anesthesia, or contrast dye, monitored continuously by your anesthesia provider
- Incomplete relief of symptoms, or symptoms that return over time
- The need for additional treatment, imaging, or a different procedure
- Rarely, a complication serious enough to require a higher level of care than an outpatient setting provides
We review these with you in detail before you consent, and you can change your mind at any point.
Coverage note
We verify your benefits and give you a written estimate before scheduling.
Prepare for this procedure
- Before your surgery
- The day of your procedure
- Anesthesia and sedation
- Recovery at home and when to call
Frequently asked questions
Is this done for adults too?
Yes, when infections or sleep apnea justify it. Adult recovery is longer than in children.
What warning signs matter?
Any bright red bleeding, refusal to drink, or fever needs an immediate call to our team.
Is tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy done as an outpatient procedure?
Yes. It is performed at our ACHC-accredited ambulatory surgery center in The Woodlands, minutes from Tomball and Spring, and patients go home the same day with a caregiver.
Will my insurance cover it?
Coverage depends on your specific plan and benefits. Our team verifies your benefits and gives you a written estimate before anything is scheduled.
Do you offer Spanish-speaking support?
Yes. Bilingual English and Spanish coordination is available from your first call through recovery instructions and follow-up.
