Mike Dilkes ENT Laser Surgery

From start to finish Mr Dilkes and his team were absolutely brilliant. I am so glad that I had the laser surgery done to end my sleep apnoea (November 2022) I would highly recommend anyone with an ENT problem contact the Health Hub you won't be disappointed. John McCrea.
Apr 26th, 2023

He is a great doctor. He has saved my life .god bless you.
Apr 19th, 2023

I, like many others, went along to Mike quite desperate to find a solution to my tonsil problems which included tonsil stones, bad breath, white tongue, sore throat. Unfortunately, I have been left disappointed and frustrated. The first red flag was Mike telling me after the procedure to forget about my problems now as if that was somehow a magical fix for an issue that had been greatly affecting my life for a very long time. He also told me that he removed two thirds of the tonsil tissue but I have since spoken to two other ENTs who have confirmed that less than 50% of the tonsil has been removed. I was also told by one of the ENT consultants that this was the 2nd or 3rd patient they had seen this year who had previously been to Mike for the partial laser treatment and had been left with a botched procedure that actually made their problems worse, with more tonsil stones, more crypts and more crevasses for bacteria to collect. I, like some of the other complainants here, am now left with no other option but to fork out another 2500 to pay for the full tonsillectomy, which I should have done in the first instance. Mike claims on his website that he is against the extortionate prices charged in places like Harley Street, and positions himself as for the patient but his laser procedure will cost you just as much as the tradition tonsillectomy method, you will be left with more problems than you started and it will ensure you suffer twice when you eventually need to remedy his botched treatment. Do not fall for Mikes cunning marketing strategies. The partial removal of your tonsils with a laser will not solve any of your problems. Do not be enticed by the lower price of 1100 for the procedure. You will absolutely need another procedure, by which point you would have been far better going directly for the full tonsillectomy to begin with and saving yourself the pain and frustration of having multiple procedures.
Apr 13th, 2023

Unfortunately my experience was not a positive one. One session didn't fix the problem with my tonsils so I needed a follow up. At the second session a blood vessel was lasered through resulting in a primary hemorrhage. Its uncommon I understand but a very real risk that should be explained and carefully considered. An ambulance took me to KCH A&E and there followed a fainting spell, falling blood pressure, clotting drugs, fluids, antibiotics, and a referral to Guys hospital ENT. In total 36 hours in hospital with instructions to avoid showers, hot drinks and food for a further 24 hours so as not to risk the clotting. One of the ENT medics advised that the fact that there are not many consultants offering laser treatment for tonsillectomies should have been a red flag. The NICE write up comparing laser to traditional surgery has apparently deemed it safe enough but certainly not less risky or painful in the longer term and unfortunately if things go wrong at this clinic the protocols seemed to consist entirely of calling an ambulance and pushing patients back to the NHS. Unfortunately for me despite all the trauma and expense the tonsil stone problem is still not resolved and i now have a referral for another private consultant to fix it at more expense. A complete waste of time all in all. I would urge caution.
Mar 21st, 2023

Mr Dilkes removed my tonsils under general anaesthetic by laser: a laser tonsillotomy. Id had tonsil issues for so many years. Relentless bouts of tonsillitis coming on at the drop of a hat. I could be living off green juice and 10-hour-a-night sleeps and Id still get tonsillitis. And badly. It was always horribly painful and always required antibiotics. My last bout I had tonsillitis once a month for six months in a row. I would have had my tonsils removed years prior but honestly I just dreaded the idea of the regular surgical removal. Ive heard horror stories! Needless to say I was THRILLED to find Mr Dilkes and his laser procedure. When I had my initial consultation with Mr Dilkes (at the Health Hub, Herne Hill) he told me I was a good candidate for the Laser tonsil removal. He said, because my tonsils were on the larger side, I could choose whether I did the procedure under local anaesthetic or general anaesthetic. I was going to have local anaesthetic but unfortunately my insurer (Bupa) would not cover it. In the end I had the procedure done under general anaesthetic at the Spire East London Hospital. I think the hospital managed to book me in about 2 to 3 weeks after my initial consultation. During that wait I was praying that I would not get tonsillitis again! The day of the procedure everything was fine. When I came round after the general anaesthetic, I wasnt in that much pain and I was quite comfortable. Mr Dilkes prescribed some painkillers for me to last the following week or so after the procedure. They worked perfectly and I did not feel any pain. I also managed to eat a couple of hours after the procedure! Unfortunately for me about five days after the laser tonsil removal, I picked up an infection. This can happen (though rarely) and its just typical that it was me! Mr Dilkes saw me the very next morning and had a look at my throat. He prescribed some anti-inflammatories and antibiotics and 24 hours later I felt infinitely better. I would say it took 10 days to feel that I had fully recovered (that would have been cut down to 7 days had it not been for the infection that I picked up. Just bad luck for me). In terms of what you can eat and drink after the surgery Mr Dilkes recommends that you eat and drink as normally as possible. I pretty much did, but after the infection I was a little more cautious (not that my eating habits were in any way the cause!). Things like noodles and soups and smoothies are great (although for some reason I found drinking smoothies through a straw a little bit tricky). Infection aside, I was probably in bed for no more than three days. On the fourth day I was happily walking the dog (albeit on painkillers). By the way, I read someone in one of these reviews, suggested bringing some boiled sweets with you to your procedure. Just to suck on afterwards. I would totally recommend this as well. I found the cranberry Ricolas brilliant. Also difflam throat spray is brilliant. The hospital also prescribed me the mouthwash version. I could not recommend Mr Dilkes any more highly. He was absolutely fantastic and I felt I was in excellent hands. Even when I was worried about the infection, he was hugely reassuring and fixed me almost immediately. Hes also a really nice guy. I am absolutely thrilled to have had my tonsils removed (by laser!). Its like I have a new lease of life. It may seem bizarre but waking up in the morning and not thinking about coming down with tonsillitis (again!) is a massive relief. That used to be the norm for me. If I had had the surgical version of this procedure, I know it would have been at least three weeks of recovery time. I just dont have that time to spare. Get them lasered!
Mar 7th, 2023