Surgical Solutions for Tonsil Stones

Tonsilloliths, also known as tonsil stones, are uneven and irregular in shape, yellow or white in colour, foul-smelling globules of mucus and bacteria that are usually found trapped in the back of the throat. They often have a cheesy consistency but can develop into hard stones.

The tonsil stones form in the tonsil crypts which are small pockets or crevasses that are present in everyone’s tonsils. The scientific name for these stones is Tonsilloliths.

Where can I get my tonsils removed or resurfaced?

Recommendation coming soon!

How can laser treatment get rid of my tonsil stones?

Tonsillotomy or laser tonsil cryptolysis, is a treatment for tonsil stones, bad breath and tonsillitis.

Many patients try and remove tonsil stones by using picks, cotton buds, water jets, etc but removing the occasional tonsil stone is not going to solve the problem and introducing tools into the tonsil area could cause infection. Patients usually want a long-term cure, however. This can usually be achieved by tonsillotomy or tonsillectomy. However, since most patients are adults, they tend to be well aware of the issues with traditional adult tonsillectomy – severe pain for 3 weeks, significant weight loss since eating is too painful for several days, and haemorrhage, which can be severe and require hospitalisation and emergency surgery. Hence, the technique of tonsillotomy.

Also called laser tonsillotomy, laser tonsil resurfacing, or laser tonsil cryptolysis, this  is a partial removal of the tonsils under local anaesthetic (spray – no injections). This is a lunchtime treatment – go to work in the morning, have it performed at lunchtime and go back to work in the afternoon. There is usually little post-operative pain and usually no time off work is required at all. Painkillers are not prescribed, just over the counter medication is needed – Paracetamol and/or ibuprofen.