Tonsillectomy

Tonsillectomy (ton-sih-LEK-tuh-me) is surgery to remove the tonsils. The tonsils are two oval-shaped pads of tissue at the back of the throat. There's one tonsil on each side. Tonsillectomy was once used to treat infection and inflammation of the tonsils. This is a condition called tonsillitis. Tonsillectomy still is used for this condition, but only when tonsillitis happens often or doesn't get better after other treatments. Today, tonsillectomy mostly is used to treat breathing problems that happen during sleep.

A tonsillectomy is used to treat: Repeating, chronic or severe tonsillitis. Breathing problems that happen during sleep. Other problems caused by enlarged tonsils. Bleeding of the tonsils. Rare diseases of the tonsils.

Tonsillectomy, like other surgeries, has some risks, including: Reaction to anesthesia. Medicines to make you sleep during surgery often cause minor, short-term problems. These include headache, nausea, vomiting or muscle soreness. Serious, long-term problems and death are rare. Swelling. Swelling of the tongue and soft roof of the mouth, called the soft palate, can cause breathing problems. This is most likely to happen during the first few hours after the procedure. Bleeding during surgery. Rarely, severe bleeding happens during surgery. This needs treatment and a longer hospital stay. Bleeding during healing. Bleeding can happen during the healing process. This is most likely if the scab from the wound comes loose and causes irritation. Infection. Rarely, surgery can lead to an infection that needs treatment.

The healthcare team tells you how to prepare for a tonsillectomy.

Most people who have a tonsillectomy can go home the day of the surgery. But the surgery might involve an overnight stay if there are complications, if a young child has the surgery or if there are other medical conditions.