Tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy in Iran

Understand tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy, the options to discuss with a qualified clinician and what to confirm before planning a visit to Shiraz.

On this page

• What is tonsillectomy?
• What are tonsils and what do they do?
• Who needs a tonsillectomy or adenoidectomy?
• Tonsillectomy preparation: what to expect before surgery?
• How to help my child get ready for tonsillectomy?
• How is tonsillectomy done?
• Tonsillectomy recovery
• What are the risks and complications of tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy?
• A practical point for your care
• Planning treatment in Shiraz
• Sources

They are intended to protect your body against illnesses but sometimes they themselves cause trouble and do more harm than good. We’re talking about tonsils, a pair of soft tissue masses located at the back of the throat that are part of our immune system. Luckily, tonsils can be removed without the immune system being much affected. If you’re suffering from a tonsil problem and are looking for an affordable tonsillectomy in Iran, do not hesitate to fill out the above form for details. Also, read on to learn more about tonsillectomy.

Having Experienced a Failed Plastic Surgery,

Pakistani Girl Chooses Iran for a Perfect Revision

A Smooth Medical Trip to Iran

for an Amazing Transformation

Swiss Patient Trusts Iran for

His Cosmetic Surgery Among All Destinations

Australian Lady Saves Money Having

Successful Plastic Surgeries in Iran

Croatian Girl’s Careful Research Led Her

to Iran for an Amazing Plastic Surgery

A Medical Trip to Iran Is Worth It as You Enjoy

Both Great Surgery Results and Low Prices

Haven’t decided yet? Let us help you, it’s free

Tonsillectomy is a commonly performed ENT procedure in Iran. Iranian ENT specialists are all well-trained to perform tonsillectomy in both children and adults and there are numerous hospitals in Iran that offer tonsil removal surgery.

What is tonsillectomy?

Tonsillectomy, as the name suggests, is the surgical removal of the tonsils, the two oval-shaped pads located at the rear of the throat (pharynx). This common procedure is often done for children with recurring or chronic infection and inflammation of the tonsils (tonsillitis) but it can also be used to treat sleep disorders and breathing problems caused by the enlargement of the tonsils. If adenoids are also removed at the same time, the procedure is called an adenotonsillectomy, which is the combination of adenoidectomy and tonsillectomy.

What are tonsils and what do they do?

Technically, there are three types of tonsils: palatine tonsils, pharyngeal tonsils (adenoids), and lingual tonsils. The palatine tonsils — sometimes called faucial tonsils but often simply called tonsils — are two separate small masses of lymphoid tissue located at the root of the tongue at the back of the throat. They are the only type of tonsils that can be directly seen when we open our mouth.

When we speak about tonsils we usually mean the first type, and tonsillectomy refers to the removal of the very tonsils. Tonsils are part of the body’s lymphatic system, which in turn is part of the immune system. Tonsils act as goalies for the body, meaning they prevent harmful viruses and bacteria from entering the body through the oral cavity. They also contain immune cells that produce antibodies for killing germs and preventing throat and lung infections.

The adenoids have a similar function as the palatine tonsils. They are located at the end of the nasal cavity behind the soft palate. Adenoids naturally shrink as children grow up and often completely disappear by the time they reach adulthood.

Who needs a tonsillectomy or adenoidectomy?

Tonsillectomy is most often done in children, but any individual at any age might need to have the surgery. This procedure is done in people who suffer from any type of tonsil condition that is not responsive to non-surgical treatments. One of the main conditions requiring tonsillectomy is tonsillitis, a medical term referring to any type of inflammation and viral or bacterial infection in the tonsils including a severe sore throat called strep throat.

Normal tonsils vs. inflamed tonsils (tonsilitis).

Tonsillectomy is not a treatment for tonsillitis only. People who suffer from any of the following problems can also be candidates for this procedure:

• Sleep apnea and severe loud snoring
• Breathing problems caused by swollen tonsils
• Bleeding of the tonsils
• Tonsil cancer

Although tonsils are not as useless as they have been thought to be for years, sometimes they become so troublesome that makes tonsillectomy indispensable.

• Adenoid infection (adenoiditis)
• Severe sleep apnea caused by enlarged adenoids
• Breathing problems caused by enlarged adenoids
• Ear infection (otitis) due to Eustachian tubes blockage caused by enlarged adenoids.

Tonsillectomy preparation: what to expect before surgery?

Furthermore, your doctor may ask you about your medical history, reactions or allergies you have to certain medicines, history of bleeding problems or problems with anesthetics in your family.

It is important to plan ahead for your post-op recovery at-home. Be sure to arrange for someone to take care of you and help you do your daily chores and prepare meals during the first couple of days following your surgery.

How to help my child get ready for tonsillectomy?

A 3 or 4-year-old child doesn’t know anything about tonsillectomy and this is the parents’ responsibility to help them prepare for the surgery. If your child is going to have their tonsils removed, apart from the above-mentioned preparatory points, you need to take further steps as a parent to help your kid get ready for a tonsillectomy. Here are some tips for preparing your child for the surgery:

• Tell your child the reason they should have the surgery, including “you won’t get sore throat anymore.” Be specific about the benefits of the surgery.
• Talk with your child before surgery and ask them questions so that they can express their feeling. This way, you can also make sure that they are not puzzled about what is going to happen.
• Assure your child that you will be at the hospital at their side the whole time they are in the hospital.
• Explain to them that the doctor will take the tonsils out only and they won’t look any different afterward.
• If possible, find and show to your child videos of children who’ve had their tonsils removed and now talk positively about it.

How is tonsillectomy done?

Surgeons adopt different techniques for tonsils and adenoids removal. A common technique is using scalpels, which is called “cold knife (steel) dissection” method. Some surgeons prefer other methods, including cauterization (burning), ultrasonic vibration, laser, or cold temperature to remove tonsils. There is no big difference among them and the results and recovery time are almost the same.

After the completion of the surgery, the patient is taken to the recovery room to be taken care of. Once the anesthetic wears off and the patient wakes up, they may feel sick and even vomit, which is a result of the anesthesia and is common.

Tonsillectomy recovery

There are some discomfort and pain after adenotonsillectomy. The patient might have a sore throat and a pain in the jaw, neck, or ears. Getting plenty of rest during the first days after surgery is crucial for a comfortable recovery. Patients should also drink enough water to keep their body hydrated, which is essential to a good recovery.

What are the risks and complications of tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy?

Every surgery involves potential risks and tonsillectomy is no exception. However, thanks to the advanced surgical techniques and the high frequency of tonsil and adenoid removal surgery, tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy are usually safe. Here are the most common complications that might occur after a tonsillectomy or adenoidectomy:

• Infection: There is a slight chance of infection after tonsils removal just like any other surgery.
• Bleeding: This is a rare complication too, but smokers and alcoholics are at higher risk of bleeding after surgery. If this happens, the patients will need to stay in the hospital longer.
• Swelling: The tongue and the roof of the mouth may become swollen in the first few hours after surgery, which causes breathing problems. This is also an uncommon side effect of tonsillectomy.
• Anesthesia reactions: This is a risk in all the surgeries involve general anesthesia and is more common in people with a family history of anesthesia reactions.

A practical point for your care

Before an operation, the pre-assessment team should review your health, previous tests and all medicines and supplements. Ask for written instructions on medicines, eating, drinking and aftercare that apply to your planned procedure.^[1]

Planning treatment in Shiraz

Ask SanaMedTour about the appropriate specialty, appointment arrangements and practical support for your visit. The treating clinician confirms the diagnosis, treatment options, suitability and follow-up after assessment.

Request an itemised written quote identifying the clinician, facility, tests, treatment, medicines, reviews and any accommodation or transfers included.

Sources

Editorial adaptation: 25 October 2026. General information for planning and discussion; your clinician’s individual instructions take priority.