Expert tonsil and adenoid removal surgery for children in Bangalore. Shishuka Children's Hospital treats recurrent tonsillitis, sleep apnoea and chronic mouth breathing safely.
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A common, well-established surgery to remove enlarged or repeatedly infected tonsils and adenoids — helping children breathe easier, sleep better, and stop the cycle of recurring throat infections.
A tonsillectomy is the surgical removal of the tonsils — two soft tissue pads at the back of the throat — and an adenoidectomy removes the adenoids, similar tissue located higher up behind the nose. The two procedures are often performed together, referred to as T&A, since enlarged tonsils and adenoids frequently cause overlapping problems: recurring throat infections, blocked breathing during sleep, and chronic mouth breathing.
This is one of the most common surgical procedures performed in children worldwide, and it is generally very safe, well-tolerated, and highly effective at resolving the symptoms that lead to the recommendation in the first place.
An ENT specialist may recommend this surgery if your child has:
Frequent tonsillitis — typically 5–7 or more infections in a year, or fewer but severe episodes over 2–3 years
Loud, habitual snoring or pauses in breathing during sleep
Diagnosed sleep apnoea linked to enlarged tonsils or adenoids
Persistent mouth breathing and chronic nasal blockage
Difficulty swallowing due to very large tonsils
Recurrent ear infections linked to enlarged adenoids blocking the Eustachian tube
The exact approach depends on your child's symptoms and the surgeon's assessment.
Removal of the tonsils only, usually recommended when recurrent tonsillitis is the main problem and the adenoids are not significantly enlarged.
Removal of the adenoids only, often chosen for children with chronic nasal blockage, mouth breathing, or recurrent ear infections, without significant tonsil enlargement.
The most common approach, especially for children with sleep-disordered breathing, since both tissues often contribute to airway obstruction together.
A technique that reduces tonsil size rather than removing them entirely, sometimes used for airway obstruction with a potentially faster, less painful recovery.
Surgery isn't always the first step — here's how it compares to other approaches.
| Approach | Invasiveness | Best For | Limitation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tonsillectomy & Adenoidectomy | Surgical (day-care/short-stay) | Definitive relief from recurrent infections & airway obstruction | 1–2 week recovery; surgical risks, though low |
| Watchful Waiting | None | Mild, infrequent symptoms likely to improve with age | Symptoms may continue or worsen in the meantime |
| Antibiotic Treatment | Non-invasive | Treating individual infection episodes | Doesn't prevent future infections or reduce tonsil size |
| Pediatric DISE / Sleep Study | Diagnostic, non-surgical | Confirming the exact cause of sleep-disordered breathing before surgery | Diagnostic only; doesn't treat the condition |
A structured, well-established surgical process designed for the safety and comfort of children.
Your ENT surgeon confirms the diagnosis, reviews medical history, and may order a sleep study or blood tests. An anaesthesia check-up ensures your child is fit for the procedure.
Your child fasts for a set number of hours before the procedure, as instructed by the anaesthesia team.
Performed under general anaesthesia, the surgery itself typically takes 20–45 minutes. The tonsils and/or adenoids are removed through the mouth — there are no external cuts or visible scars.
Your child is monitored in recovery for several hours. Most children go home the same day or after one night's observation, with clear pain management and diet instructions for the days ahead.
This is a common surgery, but your child still deserves a calm, well-managed experience from start to finish.
Surgeons trained specifically in pediatric airway and ENT surgery, not general adult procedures adapted for children.
Age-appropriate explanations and a gentle approach that reduces pre-surgery anxiety for both children and parents.
Surgery recommended only after a thorough evaluation confirms it's genuinely the right next step.
Detailed, written aftercare instructions on pain management, diet and activity for a smooth recovery at home.
Consultations available across Kalyan Nagar, RT Nagar, Malleshwaram and New BEL Road.
Throat pain, ear pain (referred pain, not an ear infection), bad breath, and a mild fever are all normal in the first several days and usually improve steadily over 7–14 days. Pain relief medication as prescribed, plenty of fluids, and soft or cool foods help significantly during this period.
Most children return to school after about 1–2 weeks, avoiding strenuous activity, swimming and crowded places until fully healed. Contact your ENT surgeon promptly for heavy bleeding, high fever, or signs of dehydration — these are uncommon but need prompt attention.
Talk to our ENT team to understand whether surgery, or another approach, is the right path for your child.
“If you can't find the answer to your question here, please don't hesitate to contact our support team for assistance.”
No strict minimum age — it's based on symptom severity. It can be performed in children as young as 1–2 years for severe sleep apnoea, though it's more common after age
Throat pain is expected and often peaks around days 3–5, not immediately after. Prescribed pain relief, soft foods and fluids manage it well during the 1–2 week recovery.
No significant long-term effect on immunity has been shown. Studies show children generally don't experience increased infections after removal when medically indicated.
Typically 20–45 minutes under general anaesthesia.
