Tonsillectomy Health Article

Definition

Tonsillectomy is a surgical procedure to remove the tonsils. The tonsils are part of the lymphatic system, which is responsible for fighting infection.

Purpose

Tonsils are removed when a person, most often a child, has any of the following conditions:

• obstruction
• sleep apnea (a condition in which an individual snores loudly and stops breathing temporarily at intervals during sleep)
• inability to swallow properly because of enlarged tonsils
• a breathy voice or other speech abnormality due to enlarged tonsils
• recurrent or persistent abscesses or throat infections

Physicians are not in complete agreement on the number of sore throats that necessitate a tonsillectomy. Most would agree that four cases of strep throat in any one year; six or more episodes of tonsillitis in one year; or five or more episodes of tonsillitis per year for two years indicate that the tonsils should be removed.

Demographics

A tonsillectomy is one of the most common surgical procedures among children. It is uncommon among adults. More than 400,000 tonsillectomies are performed each year in the United States. Approximately 70% of surgical candidates are under age 18.

Description

A tonsillectomy is usually performed under general anesthesia, although adults may occasionally receive a local anesthetic. The surgeon depresses the tongue in order to see the throat, and removes the tonsils with an instrument resembling a scoop.

Alternate methods for removing tonsils are being investigated, including lasers and other electronic devices.

Diagnosis/Preparation

Tonsillectomy procedures are not performed as frequently today as they once were. One reason for a more conservative approach is the risk involved when a person is put under general anesthesia.

In some cases, a tonsillectomy may need to be modified or postponed:

• Bleeding disorders must be adequately controlled prior to surgery.
• Acute tonsillitis should be successfully treated prior to surgery. Treatment may postpone the surgery three to four weeks.