Tonsil Surgery (Tonsillectomy) Specialist in Singapore

A tonsillectomy is a surgical procedure performed at our clinic to remove the tonsils – two small, oval-shaped tissues located at the back of the throat that help fight infections.

When the tonsils become problematic, such as causing recurring infections or airway obstructions, their removal can alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life. The procedure is commonly performed on both children and adults, using specialised techniques to achieve effective outcomes.

Dr Gan Eng Cern

Ear, nose and throat specialist

MBBS

MRCS (Edin)

mmed (orl)

FAMS

ENT Specialist for Tonsil Removal Singapore

Benefits Techniques Preparation Procedure Recovery Risks FAQ

Indications for Tonsillectomy

An ENT specialist may recommend tonsil surgery when specific conditions impact comfort or overall health. These include:

Recurrent Tonsillitis: Frequent throat infections requiring multiple courses of oral antibiotics in a year. This is often defined as three or more episodes annually, leading to ongoing discomfort and interruptions in daily life.
Enlarged Tonsils: Overgrown tonsils that obstruct breathing or swallowing. This can result in disrupted sleep patterns, such as snoring or sleep apnoea, and difficulties with eating or speaking.
Peritonsillar Abscess: A pus-filled infection near the tonsils that does not improve with non-surgical treatments. This condition can cause severe pain, difficulty opening the mouth, and fever.
Unusual Tonsil Growth: Asymmetrical tonsils or abnormal appearances that may require tissue analysis to rule out cancers.
Recurrent tonsil stones (tonsiloliths): Accumulation of food debris, saliva and mucous from the nose within the tonsillar crypts can result in “tonsil stones”. This can cause bad breath, throat discomfort and sore throat.

Benefits of Tonsillectomy

Tonsil surgery provides several benefits, improving both health and daily living. These include:

Reduced Infections: Decreases the frequency of throat infections, reducing interruptions to daily life and reliance on antibiotics.
Improved Sleep: Removes obstructions in the airway, resulting in better breathing and less snoring, significantly improving sleep quality.
Enhanced Swallowing: Resolves difficulties caused by enlarged tonsils or chronic throat pain, making eating and drinking more comfortable.
Fresher Breath: Eliminates debris trapped in the crypts of the tonsils, a common source of chronic bad breath.

Types of Surgical Techniques

Different approaches are used for tonsil removal, each suited to specific needs.

Traditional Cold Steel Method: The tonsils are removed using surgical tools, which ensure complete removal while protecting surrounding structures. Bleeding is controlled with cauterisation, and the method provides clear visibility of the surgical area.
Coblation Tonsillectomy: Radiofrequency energy is used at a lower temperature to remove tissue. This method often results in less discomfort after surgery, as it generates less heat. It also simultaneously cuts, coagulates, and suctions tissue for efficiency.
Diathermy Tonsillectomy: An electrical blade (using high heat energy) is used to cut tissue and help seal some blood vessels at the same time, minimising bleeding. This method allows precise separation of the tonsil from the surrounding tissue. It allows good visualisation, good control of bleeding and minimises damage to the surrounding tissue.

Examination for Tonsil Surgery in Dr. Gan's clinic

Preparing for Tonsil Surgery

Medical Review: A thorough physical examination and necessary tests, including blood work, are conducted to ensure you are ready for surgery. These tests help evaluate overall health and check blood clotting ability.
Medication Adjustments: Blood-thinning medications are typically paused two weeks before surgery to reduce the risk of bleeding. Other medications are carefully reviewed, and clear instructions are provided about which to continue or stop before the procedure.
Fasting Instructions: Avoid all food and drinks for at least six hours before surgery to ensure the stomach is empty. Depending on the timing of the procedure, clear fluids may be allowed up to two hours before surgery, but only if specifically advised.

Step-by-Step Procedure

Anaesthesia Administration

General anaesthesia is administered, ensuring the patient remains unconscious and pain-free throughout the procedure. Vital signs are continuously monitored to maintain stability and safety.

Surgical Access

A specialised mouth gag is inserted to keep the mouth open, providing unobstructed access to the tonsils. The ENT surgeon uses bright lighting and magnification tools to ensure a clear and detailed view of the surgical area. This step ensures accuracy and reduces the possibility of accidental tissue damage.

Tonsil Removal

The chosen surgical technique, such as the cold steel method, coblation, or diathermy, is used to carefully separate and remove the tonsils. The removal process involves cutting the tonsil tissue away from its attachments while preserving the integrity of nearby structures such as muscles and blood vessels. Bleeding is controlled continuously during this step to maintain a clear surgical field and prevent complications.

Haemostasis

After the tonsils are removed, the surgical site is inspected to ensure all bleeding is fully controlled. Additional cauterisation or sutures may be used to seal any remaining blood vessels.

Post-Surgical Care and Recovery

Immediate Care: After surgery, the patient is transferred to a recovery area where they are closely monitored for several hours to ensure stability before being discharged. Pain relief is provided as needed, through oral medications or an intravenous (IV) line.
Hydration and Diet: Regular intake of cold fluids, such as water, ice chips, or diluted fruit juice, helps prevent dehydration and soothes the throat. Soft foods are introduced gradually over the first week, starting with easily swallowed options like mashed potatoes, yoghurt, or broths. This diet helps avoid irritation while ensuring adequate nourishment during recovery.
Activity Restrictions: Physical activities, especially strenuous ones, should be avoided for at least two weeks to reduce the risk of post-operative bleeding or complications. Light daily tasks, such as walking or light household chores, can be resumed as tolerated. Most people return to work or school after 7–14 days, depending on how well they recover.
Follow-Up and Monitoring: Recovery is monitored through scheduled follow-up visits to assess healing and address any concerns. Warning signs such as severe bleeding, fever, or signs of infection should be reported immediately. Clear guidance is provided to help manage recovery at home, including the use of prescribed pain medication and maintaining hydration.

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Potential Risks and Complications

Although tonsil surgery is generally safe, it carries some risks, including post-operative bleeding, which can occur up to two weeks after the procedure. Other possible issues include wound infection, minor injuries to the lips, tongue and mouth region, temporary swallowing difficulty, changes in taste or voice, dehydration from reduced fluid intake, and rare reactions to anaesthesia. The risk of infection is minimal with proper techniques.

For Singaporeans & Singapore Permanent Residents

Medisave & Insurance Shield Plan approved

Your ENT procedure may be eligible for Medisave claims, with the claimable amount varying based on the procedure’s complexity. For additional options, including the use of your insurance or Integrated Shield Plan, reach out to our friendly clinic staff today for assistance.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Are there alternative treatments to tonsillectomy?

In some cases, chronic tonsillitis or other issues may be managed with antibiotics, throat sprays, or other medications. However, surgery is often recommended for recurrent infections or severe symptoms that do not respond to non-surgical treatments.

Does the removal of the tonsils affect speech?

Speech may sound slightly different temporarily due to swelling or changes in the throat, but this usually resolves as healing progresses. Permanent speech changes are very rare.

Can I still get throat infections after my tonsils are removed?

Yes, sore throats from a cold or flu can still occur after a tonsillectomy. However, the risk of throat infections is typically less frequent and less severe than those caused by chronic tonsillitis before surgery.

Dr Gan Eng Cern

Ear, nose and throat specialist

MBBS

MRCS (Edin)

mmed (orl)

FAMS

With over 15 years of experience, Dr Gan specialises in the comprehensive management of a broad range of conditions related to the ear, nose and throat (ENT), and head and neck.

Dr. Gan has contributed to the academic field as a Senior Clinical Lecturer at the Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore. He is recognised for his extensive research work, with numerous contributions to reputable international ENT journals. Dr Gan is also highly sought after as a speaker and has shared his surgical knowledge as a surgical dissection teacher at various prominent ENT conferences and courses.

2020 – Reader’s Choice Gold Award for Best ENT Specialist (Expat Living Singapore)
2016 – Best Educator Award (Eastern Health Alliance)
2016 – “Wow” Award (Patient Compliment)

2014 – Eastern Health Alliance Caring Award – Silver
2014 – 19th Yahya Cohen Memorial Lectureship (awarded by the College of Surgeons, Academy of Medicine Singapore for best scientific surgical paper)
2012 – Human Manpower Development Award (Ministry of Health, Singapore)
2007 – Singhealth Best Doctor Award

Qualifications

MBBS – Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia)
MRCS (Edin) – Member of the Royal College of Surgeons Edinburgh, United Kingdom
MMed (ORL) – Master of Medicine in ENT (National University of Singapore)
FAMS – Fellow of the Academy of Medicine Singapore

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A Specialist Clinic for Sinus, Snoring & ENT

38 Irrawaddy Road #08-45
Mount Elizabeth Novena Hospital
Singapore 329563

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