TonsillectomyA tonsillectomy is the surgical removal of thetonsils. Theadenoidsmay or may not be removed at the same time. Adenoidectomy is not discussed in this topic.Ageneral anestheticis always used to sedate a child having a tonsillectomy. Adults may need only alocal anestheticto numb the throat.What To Expect After SurgeryThe surgery may be done as outpatient surgery or, sometimes, during an overnight hospital stay.A verysore throatusually follows a tonsillectomy and may last for several days. This may affect the sound and volume of the person's voice and his or her ability to eat and drink. The person may also have bad-smelling breath for a few days after surgery. There is a very small risk of bleeding after surgery.A child having a tonsillectomy may feel "out of sorts" for a period of a week to 10 days. But if the child is feeling well enough, there is no need to restrict his or her activity or to keep the child at home after the first few days.Why It Is DoneA tonsillectomy may be done in the following cases: A person has ongoing or recurring episodes oftonsillitis. A person has recurring episodes ofstrep throatin 1 year despite antibiotic treatment. Abscesses of thetonsilsdo not respond to drainage. Or an abscess is present in addition to other signs that point to a tonsillectomy. A persistent foul odor or taste in themouthis caused by tonsillitis and does not respond to antibiotic treatment. Abiopsyis needed to evaluate a suspected tumor of the tonsil. Especially in children, the tonsils are so large they affect nighttime breathing, calledsleep apnea.Large tonsils are not a reason to have a tonsillectomy unless they are causing one of the above problems or they are blocking the upper airway, which may causesleepapnea or problems with eating.How Well It WorksChildren whose tonsils are removed for recurrent throat infections may have fewer and less severestrep throatinfections for at least 2 years. But over time many children who do not have surgery also have fewer throat infections.1Adults who have their tonsils removed after repeated strep throat infections don't get as many new infections as adults who do not have the surgery. And adults who had the surgery also don't get sore throats as often.2RisksNormal or expected risks of tonsillectomy include some bleeding after surgery. This is common, especially when the healed scab over the cut area falls off.Less common or rare risks include: Breathing problemsrelated to surgery. More serious bleeding. Anesthetic complications. Death after surgery (very rare).What To Think AboutWhen you are trying to decide whether to have the tonsils removed, you might want to think about: How much time a child is missing from school because of throat infections. How much stress and inconvenience the illness has on the family.The risks of surgery must also be weighed against the risks of leaving the tonsils in. In some cases of persistent strep throat infections, especially if there are other complications, surgery may be the best choice.Some people think that removing the tonsils may hurt the body'simmune system, but research does not support this.Complete thesurgery information form (PDF)to help you prepare for this surgery.Citations1. Georgalas C, et al. (2009). Tonsillitis, search date March 2009. BMJ Clinical Evidence. Available online: http://www.clinicalevidence.com.2. Alho OP, et al. (2007). Tonsillectomy versus watchful waiting in recurrent streptococcalpharyngitisin adults: Randomised controlled trial. BMJ. Published online March 8, 2007 (doi: 10.1136/bmj.39140.632604.55).ByHealthwise Staff

Primary Medical ReviewerAdam Husney, MD - Family Medicine

Specialist Medical ReviewerCharles M. Myer, III, MD - Otolaryngology

Current as ofDecember 6, 2012

WebMD Medical Reference from HealthwiseLast Updated: December 06, 2012This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information. 1995-2014 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporatedhttp://www.webmd.com/oral-health/tonsillectomy-for-strep-throat