A tongue retractor is used to hold the patient's tongue away from the area of surgery. Special instruments designed specifically for this operation are used to remove the tonsils. An electric instrument called a "bovie" is used to reduce bleeding.

If the adenoids need to be removed, the surgeon may use a curved instrument to remove them from the back wall of the throat, just above the soft palate.

When the procedure is finished, the surgeon makes a final check to ensure there is no active bleeding. The patient is then awakened and taken to the recovery room for careful observation.