Tonsillectomy in the UK: NHS Guidelines

In the UK, tonsillectomies are generally considered for patients who meet specific clinical criteria due to the potential risks and costs associated with the procedure. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) provides guidelines for when tonsillectomy is appropriate:

Patients should have had recurrent episodes of tonsillitis (5 or more per year for at least 2 years).

Tonsillitis must have a significant impact on quality of life or lead to complications.

Some tonsillectomies are also done for sleep-disordered breathing, particularly in children where enlarged tonsils cause obstructive sleep apnoea.

References for Further Reading

NHS Overview of Tonsillitis

NHS - Tonsillitis

NHS Overview of Tonsillectomy

NHS - Tonsillectomy

National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) Guidelines on Tonsillectomy

NICE - Tonsillitis and Tonsillectomy Guidelines