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ENT Conditions and Procedures
Intracapsular tonsillectomy (3 of 5) - The operation

 

 

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Intracapsular tonsillectomy (3 of 5) - The operation


This leaflet is part of the EASY-READ series, created to improve accessibility for all readers.

The original leaflet is available here.


Intracapsular tonsillectomy

PART 3 OF 5

The operation

Click on each of the following questions to discover the answers.

 

WHAT IS A TONSILLECTOMY?

 

This is an operation to remove the TONSILS

It is a very COMMON operation


 

Your child must have a lot of bad SORE THROATS, QUINSY, or TROUBLE SLEEPING to have this operation


 

There must be more BENEFITS for having the operation than the common risks

 

WHAT IS INTRACAPSULAR TONSILLECTOMY?

 

TONSILS are surrounded by a thin layer of tissue called a CAPSULE

 

 

INTRACAPSULAR TONSILLECTOMY uses a heat wand to remove the tonsil but leaves the capsule in place

 

WHAT IS THE ALTERNATIVE OPERATION?

 

Your child could have an EXTRACAPSULAR TONSILLECTOMY

This is the TRADITIONAL way of removing the tonsils


 

This operation removes both the TONSIL and the CAPSULE

 

WHY CHOOSE INTRACAPSULAR TONSILLECTOMY?

 

The doctor will EXPLAIN the best treatment for your child

 

 

INTRACAPSULAR TONSILLECTOMY has a much lower risk of bleeding

 

BEFORE YOUR CHILD’S OPERATION

 

Arrange for TWO WEEKS off school or nursery


 

You must tell us if your child gets UNUSUAL bleeding or bruising

Also, tell us if OTHER FAMILY members have this type of problem


 

Please tell the ENT specialist and Anaesthetist if your child has any loose, capped, or crowned teeth


 

Let the ENT specialist know if your child has a cold or a sore throat in the week before the operation

If this is the case, it will be safer to delay the operation

 

WHAT HAPPENS DURING THE OPERATION?

 

Your child will be asleep under a general anaesthetic

General anaesthetic is a type of medicine that makes your whole body go to sleep. You have this during operations

 


 

A tonsillectomy is performed through the mouth

There are no outside cuts or scars


 

The operation usually takes about 30 minutes


 

Your child will then be taken to a RECOVERY AREA after the operation

They will be carefully watched while they wake up

They will be away from the ward for about an hour

 
 

 


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Disclaimer: This publication is designed for the information of patients. Whilst every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, the information contained may not be comprehensive and patients should not act upon it without seeking professional advice.


 

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Date Published: 16/01/2025 Review Date: 16/01/2028

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