Laser Tonsillectomy Pioneer, Mike Dilkes
We had the pleasure of sitting down with Expert Consultant General Ear Nose and Throat Surgeon Mr Mikes Dilkes, to find out about Laser Tonsillectomy and how the latest innovative developments can help patients resume back to their normal lifestyle in record time.
Tell us a bit about yourself and where you currently practice I qualified in 1985 after training at St Mary’s Hospital, Paddington and since worked in various Hospitals within ENT across London and Bristol before being appointed to St Bart’s Hospital in 1996 where I resided until last year. Outside of my role I enjoy sports, in particular sailing and football – I’m a big Chelsea Fan and take great pleasure seeing them play at Stamford Bridge. I currently practice at Spire Riding Hospital, HealthHub and Holly House Hospital.
Following your love of sports, you have worked closely with high profile sporting organisations as an ENT consultant, how was this? I’ve been fortunate enough to work for the England Cricket team, the British Association and the Amateur Boxing Association to name a few. It’s fantastic to be able to treat our finest athletes and see them return to their profession stronger and fitter than before.
In what circumstances is Laser Surgery performed? Laser surgery is performed to treat a wide range of conditions, this includes throat cancer, tonsils and facial moles. Over the course of my career I have have performed over 4,000 laser procedures for a wide variety of conditions – with laser surgery being one of my specialties.
What are the benefits of a patient having Laser Tonsillectomy Surgery? Tonsillectomy surgery performed by traditional means, is one of the most painful operations in surgery and can be associated with life threatening bleeding. Recent developments in laser technology, using state-of-the-art facilities mean that the tonsils can now be removed whilst preserving their capsule. This procedure I have pioneered is called intracapsular laser vaporisation tonsillectomy and takes around 20 minutes to perform and is completed using a operating microscope and mircomanioputaor.
What is the general recovery time for a patient who has had tonsillectomy surgery with the Mike Dilkes ENT Laser Surgery? The general recovery time for a patient is around seven days for Tonsillectomy surgery with the patient being discharged after 4 hours. If a patient receives painkillers, it’s possible for them to resume back to normal duties after 48 hours – which sees them being able to eat relatively normally throughout the healing process. Patients will return for a follow up after four weeks.
Are there any complications associated with Intracapsular Laser Vaporisation Tonsillectomy? Significant bleeding is extremely rare with only 0.2% of patients recorded after receiving surgery. My re-admission rate with complications is 0% here at The London ENT Unit.
This article was initially published by the Hospital of Elizabeth's & St John under the title: Pioneering Laser Tonsillectomy with Mr Mike Dilkes
Learn more about Laser Tonsillectomy
The Tonsillectomy Guide - a simple guide to all aspects of tonsillectomy including diagnosis, approaches to the operation, the procedure and recovery from tonsillectomy
Frequently asked questions - short, sharp answers to common tonsillectomy questions
Laser tonsillectomy and tonsillotomy procedures - overview of laser procedures available
Laser tonsillectomy video - short video which illustrates the laser tonsillectomy operation
How much does laser tonsillectomy cost - understand the costs associated with private treatment for a tonsillectomy operation
Tonsillectomy for children - considerations for the operation for children
Tonsillectomy and private medical insurance - understand how to use your medical insurance for a tonsillectomy operation
NHS or private tonsillectomy? - understand the pros and cons of each approach
