Tonsillectomy

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Tonsillectomy: Indications

Tonsillectomy is advisable when tonsillitis attacks are so frequent or severe that they affect a child's general health or interfere with school, hearing, or breathing. However, some physicians believe tonsillectomies are done more often than necessary, so a second opinion should be obtained when there is any doubt.

Specifically, the guidelines for surgery are:

• 7 or more episodes of tonsillitis in one year
• 5 or more episodes per year over a 2-year period
• Severe tonsillitis
• Tonsillitis that is not responding to antibiotics
• An abscess in the tonsils
• Grossly asymmetric tonsils

Tonsillectomy may be advised if the tonsils are enlarged and obstructing access to the adenoids during an adenoidectomy or if the physician suspects the presence of a tonsil tumor.