Tonsillectomy

Alternative names:

tonsils removal

Definition:

Surgical removal of the tonsils.

Description:

Tonsil glands serve as agents against infections. However, in some people, particularly in children with larger tonsils, these glands can perform less efficiently and cause frequent throat and ear infections or obstruct breathing. In these cases, surgery to remove the tonsils is of benefit. Under general anesthesia, the ear-nose-throat (ENT) surgeon holds the mouth open and pulls the tongue forward to reveal the tonsils. The tonsils are pulled away from the back of the throat and then removed by being cut away. Bleeding is controlled, and often the cut heals naturally without stitches.

Indications:

Tonsillectomy is advisable when tonsillitis attacks are so frequent or severe that they affect a child's general health or interfere with school, hearing, or breathing. However, tonsillectomies are thought to be done more often than necessary, so a second opinion should be obtained when there is any doubt.

Specifically, the guidelines for surgery are:

• 5 or more episodes of tonsillitis in one year, or
• 3 or more episodes per year over a 2-year period, or
• severe tonsillitis, or
• tonsillitis that is not responding to antibiotics

Tonsillectomy is advised if the tonsils are enlarged and obstructing access to the adenoid during an adenoidectomy operation, or the physician suspects the presence of a tonsil tumor.