How much does it cost to have a childs tonsils removed

Surgery Overview

A tonsillectomy is surgery to remove the tonsils. The adenoids may or may not be removed at the same time. This topic is about surgery to remove the tonsils, not the adenoids.

For children, a general anesthetic is always used. It makes the child sleep during the surgery. Adults may need only a local anesthetic to numb the throat.

What To Expect

Tonsillectomy is often done as an outpatient surgery. But some people may need to stay overnight in the hospital.

A person can expect to have a very sore throat after surgery. It may last for several days. This may affect the sound and volume of the voice. It can make it harder to eat and drink. The person may also have bad breath for a few days after surgery. There is a very small risk of serious bleeding after surgery.

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Why It Is Done

A tonsillectomy may be done when:

  • A person has tonsillitis that does not get better or that comes back often.
  • A person has strep throat that keeps coming back, even with antibiotic treatment.
  • Abscesses of the tonsils do not get better after treatment. Or the person has an abscess along with other signs that point to a tonsillectomy.
  • A foul odor or taste in the mouth caused by tonsillitis that does not get better with antibiotics.
  • A biopsy is needed to check for a suspected tumor of the tonsil.
  • The tonsils are so large that they affect nighttime breathing. This is called sleep apnea.

Large tonsils are not a reason to have a tonsillectomy unless they are causing problems.

Learn more

  • Tonsillitis: Should My Child Have a Tonsillectomy?

How Well It Works

Children who have their tonsils removed for repeated throat infections may have fewer infections for a few years after surgery. But over time, many children who do not have surgery also have fewer throat infections.

Adults who have their tonsils removed after repeated throat infections don't get as many new infections as adults who don't have the surgery.

Risks

Some bleeding is a normal risk after a tonsillectomy. This is common, especially when the healed scab over the cut area falls off.

Less common or rare risks include:

  • Breathing problems from surgery.
  • More serious bleeding.
  • Problems from anesthesia.
  • Infection.

Credits

Current as of: May 4, 2022

Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:
Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine
Kathleen Romito MD - Family Medicine
Charles M. Myer III MD - Otolaryngology

There are several factors that influence the total cost of having your tonsils removed (tonsillectomy) as a private patient in the UK. The cost can vary significantly depending on whether you have private medical insurance or are self-paying. Tonsillectomy is covered by most insurance policies, but may not be covered in all circumstances, so it is worth confirming this with your insurer. If you do have private medical insurance, there may be an excess to pay, and you may have limits on your cover. If you are self-paying, there are several aspects of the treatment that you need to consider:

Outpatient appointments: your surgeon will want to see you before you have a tonsillectomy on at least one occasion. This is to discuss the problems you have had with your tonsils, examine your throat and talk about treatment options. Sometimes a telescope examination of the throat (nasendoscopy) is required as part of this, which will likely be an extra cost on top of the appointment. If you do decide to proceed with tonsillectomy, your surgeon may also want to see you in the outpatient clinic.

Hospital fees: these are usually the most expensive part and form the majority of the cost of tonsillectomy. There can be significant differences in the hospital costs. Many surgeons operate at different private hospitals, so it is worth enquiring about the different costs.

Investigations: whilst they are not usually required, sometimes other tests need to be performed as part of your treatment, for example, blood tests, x-rays or scans or tracings of the heart.

Surgeon’s fees for performing the procedure.

Anaesthesia: The operation is performed whilst you are asleep under a general anaesthetic. The anaesthetic is administered by an anaesthetist who will bill for her services.

Whilst it is unusual, occasionally complications can occur following tonsillectomy. If these are dealt with in a private hospital, there are usually associated fees.

Don’t forget, there are also personal the costs that vary from person to person. For example, if you are self-employed, and not earning whilst recovering or if you need to pay for childcare costs.

When enquiring about costs, make sure that you ask about all of them so you know what the total cost is likely to be. Many private hospitals offer fixed-price packages which can help remove uncertainty around the cost, which it is often worth enquiring about. Financing options to help spread the cost of the procedure are often available.

If you are a UK resident, tonsillectomy is also available as an NHS patient, if you meet certain criteria. These criteria vary from area to area, and waiting list times are variable.

The fees for a tonsillectomy performed by me (correct as of the time of writing) are as follows:

Nuffield Health, Tunbridge Wells (adult)

Hospital £2029
Anaesthetist: £235
Surgeon: £550

Total - £2,814

Nuffield Health, Tunbridge Wells (child)

Hospital £2160
Anaesthetist £235
Surgeon: £550

Total - £2,945

Spire Hospital, Tunbridge Wells (adults and children)

Hospital: £2266
Anaesthetist: £235
Surgeon: £550

Total - £3,051
 

Does insurance cover to remove tonsils?

Most insurers cover a tonsillectomy as long as it's medically necessary, which may require proof of recurring tonsillitis, strep throat, or swollen tonsils that affect your breathing. Medicare and Medicaid will usually cover a portion of a medically necessary tonsillectomy, too.

What is the minimum age for tonsil removal?

At what age can a child have a tonsillectomy? A child at any age can have a tonsillectomy if the indications are severe. However, surgeons generally wait until children are 3 years old to remove tonsils because the risk of dehydration and bleeding is greater among small children.

How painful is tonsillectomy for Kids?

It is normal for your child to have a very sore throat and ears after having tonsils and adenoids removed. Your child will need pain medication for up to two weeks and their pain may get worse before it gets better. The 4th or 5th day after the surgery is a common time for the pain to get temporarily worse.

Do they still take kids tonsils out?

Myth: Doctors no longer perform tonsillectomies for children and teens. Fact: Tonsillectomies are still a common procedure for children and teens. Tonsil removal is one of the most common surgeries performed on children and teens, but the reasons for performing it have changed over the years.