Tonsillectomy
A tonsillectomy is a surgical procedure to remove the tonsils, which are two round masses of lymphatic tissue located at the back of the throat. This procedure is commonly performed to treat chronic tonsillitis, recurrent throat infections, sleep apnea, and enlarged tonsils that cause breathing difficulties.
Who is a candidate?
✅ Indications for Pediatric Tonsillectomy
- Obstructive Sleep Disordered Breathing (SBD) or Sleep Apnea (OSA) – Enlarged tonsils can block the airway during sleep, leading to breathing difficulties, snoring, and poor sleep quality. Tonsil removal can significantly improve sleep apnea symptoms, especially in children.
- Recurrent Strep Throat – when they have 7 or more episodes in one year, 5 per year for two years, or 3 per year for three years, with each episode meeting clinical criteria.
- Peritonsillar Abscess – A severe complication of tonsillitis where pus collects around the tonsils, requiring drainage or removal to prevent recurrence.
Other Less Common Indications
Suspected tonsillar tumor (rare in kids)
Chronic sore throat or swallowing problems due to very large tonsils
Dental/facial growth issues related to chronic mouth breathing
Yes, adults can and do get their tonsils out, though it’s less common than in kids—and the recovery tends to be a bit tougher. Adults may elect to remove their tonsils for the same reasons listed above, as well as commonly for symptoms of chronic tonsillitis such as bad breath, tonsil stones, sore throat, or enlarged tonsils that don’t respond well to antibiotics.
What are the benefits?
Fewer or no throat infections (especially strep)
Resolution or reduction of snoring or sleep apnea
Improved sleep and behavior in kids (if tonsils were enlarged)
Relief from chronic tonsil issues, like tonsil stones or bad breath
Better quality of life (less missed school/work, improved energy)
Will I miss having tonsils?
Tonsils are part of the immune system, but after they’re removed, the body’s other immune tissues—like lymph nodes and the spleen—take over their role. Tonsils are more active in early childhood. As kids grow, other parts of the immune system mature and become more important—so the tonsils become less essential. After tonsillectomy, immune function stays strong, and kids and adults who’ve had tonsillectomies don’t have a higher long-term risk of infections or immune disorders.
What are adenoids?
Adenoids are small patches of lymphatic tissue located high in the throat behind the nose, where the nasal passages connect to the throat.
Symptoms Caused by Enlarged Adenoids
When enlarged, adenoids can block airflow and lead to:
Chronic nasal congestion or mouth breathing
Snoring or sleep apnea
Frequent ear infections or fluid in the ears
Speech changes (nasal voice)
Recurrent sinus infections
Are adenoids removed with the tonsils?
Yes, often. The procedure is called adenotonsillectomy when both are removed.
Removal is typically done together if a child has obstructive breathing issues, chronic infections, or ear problems related to adenoid enlargement.
Sometimes, only the adenoids are removed—a procedure called adenoidectomy—when the tonsils aren’t causing problems. In the appropriate patient, this a great option as the surgery has a faster and easier recovery than tonsillectomy. Kids have minimal discomfort, can eat normally soon after, and often can return to school the next day.
