Mathieu-Style Tonsil Guillotine Tonsil guillotine, metal, c 1929. Tonsil Guillotines are surgical instruments used during a tonsillectomy, a procedure where the palatine tonsils are removed. The hook of the guillotine is placed around the tonsil and a sharp blade passes through to slice the tonsil off. Much caution was required to prevent haemorrhaging in the patient. Mathieu, France c. 1929 2003/135