Tonsillectomy

A tonsillectomy is a surgical procedure to remove the tonsils, two oval-shaped pads of tissue at the back of the throat. The tonsils are part of the lymphatic system and help fight infection.

Reasons for a tonsillectomy:

• Recurrent tonsillitis: This is the most common reason for a tonsillectomy. It is defined as having seven or more sore throats in one year, five or more in two years, or three or more in three years.
• Enlarged tonsils: If the tonsils are so large that they block the airway, it can make it difficult to breathe, especially at night.
• Obstructive sleep apnea: This is a serious condition in which the airway is completely blocked during sleep. It can lead to snoring, daytime fatigue, and other health problems.
• Tonsil stones: These are small, hard deposits that can form in the tonsils and cause pain, bad breath, and difficulty swallowing.