Tonsillectomy

The surgical removal of the tonsils, which are glands in the back of the throat

Parts of the Body Involved

Throat and tonsils

Reasons for Procedure

Tonsillectomy is most often performed for the following reasons:
  • To treat chronic or recurrent tonsillitis (four or more streptococcal infections of the tonsils per year) despite appropriate medication and other non-surgical treatments
  • To treat peritonsillar abscess when drainage along with non-surgical treatments are not effective
  • To remove enlarged tonsils that are causing severe problems with swallowing, breathing, or proper dental formation

Risk Factors for Complications during the Procedure

  • Obesity
  • Smoking
  • Poor nutrition
  • Recent chronic illness
  • Previous adverse reaction to anesthesia
  • Sickle cell anemia
  • Bleeding disorders
  • Pregnancy
  • Recent or current steroid use
  • Poorly controlled diabetes

What to Expect

Prior to Procedure

Your doctor will likely do the following:
  • Physical exam of the tonsils, throat, and neck, at minimum
  • Blood test
  • Possibly a urine test
  • Review of medications; some may need to be stopped or adjusted for the procedure
In the days leading up to your procedure:
  • Do not take aspirin, aspirin-containing medications, or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs)
  • The night before, eat a light meal and do not eat or drink anything after midnight, including mouthwash, toothpaste, lozenges, chewing gum, and water
During Procedure:
  • Anesthesia, and possibly sedation
  • Breathing tube
  • Retractor that holds your mouth open
  • Depressor that holds your tongue down
Anesthesia

Outcome

Outcomes vary depending on the reason for the tonsillectomy. They include:
  • Fewer throat infections
  • Improved breathing and swallowing

Call Your Doctor If Any of the Following Occurs

  • Signs of infection, including fever and chills
  • Redness, swelling, increasing pain, excessive bleeding, or discharge from the site where the tonsils were removed
  • Severe or worsening pain
  • New, unexplained symptoms