Could a gentler tonsil surgery work as well as full removal?
NCT ID NCT06606262
First seen Sep 21, 2026 · Last updated Sep 21, 2026
Summary
Researchers compare two surgeries for adults with recurrent acute tonsillitis: full tonsil removal (tonsillectomy) and partial tonsil removal (tonsillotomy). The trial enrolls 250 adults who have had at least five tonsillitis episodes in one year or three per year for two years. Over 12 months, researchers track sore throat episodes, quality of life, and postoperative pain to see whether partial removal is as effective as full removal.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Tonsillotomy (partial tonsil removal) compared with tonsillectomy (full tonsil removal)
- What this could lead to
- If partial tonsil removal works as well as full removal, adults with recurrent tonsillitis could have a less painful operation with fewer bleeding risks.
- What could go wrong
- Partial removal may leave enough tonsil tissue for infections to return, and the trial may not show it matches full removal. Surgery carries risks of bleeding, infection, and anesthesia complications.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
-
Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
-
About 250 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
-
Oct 2024
- Expected to finish
-
Dec 2029
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
-
Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
-
15 years and older
- Sex
-
Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
-
Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Adults (age ≥15 years) with RT, defined as a minimum of five tonsillitis episodes in one year or a minimum of three tonsillitis episodes per year for two years (Danish National Guidelines criteria * The ability to understand Danish orally and in writing. Exclusion Criteria: * Previous TE or TO. * Suspected tonsillar malignancy. * History of malignant tumor in the oral cavity, the pharynx or the larynx. * Previous radiation therapy on head or neck. * Hemorrhagic diathesis or anticoagulant therapy.
Get updates
Get notified about this study
Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for Recurrent acute tonsillitis are added.
By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use
Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
Aalborg University Hospital
Aalborg, 9000, Denmark
-
Aarhus University Hospital
Aarhus, 8200, Denmark
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.