What is a tonsillectomy?

A tonsillectomy is a surgical procedure where the tonsils are removed from either side of the throat. The tonsils are two oval-shaped pads located in the back part of the throat. The procedure is usually performed in response to cases of repeated occurrence of acute tonsillitis (or adenoiditis). In rare cases a tonsillectomy is performed in response to cancer of the tonsils. In some cases, the  adenoids, which are lymph masses found in the back of the nose are removed at the same time  – this procedure is known as an adeno-tonsillectomy.

Tonsillitis is a infection of the tonsils where they become swollen and painful. Most typically viruses cause tonsillitis, but bacterial infections can be the cause as well. As an example, mononucleosis is a virus that often causes tonsillitis, and strep throat is a bacterial infection that can have the same result.

The most common form of tonsillectomy is called coblation surgery – Check the video below to see just how it is done. Warning: It is very graphic and may disturb some viewers.