What's a Tonsillectomy Surgery?

Tonsillectomy (ton-sih-LEK-tuh-me) is the surgical removal of the tonsils, two oval-shaped pads of tissue at the back of the throat — one tonsil on each side. A tonsillectomy was once a common procedure to treat infection and inflammation of the tonsils (tonsillitis).

Is a tonsillectomy a major surgery?

A tonsillectomy is a common but major surgery with serious risks and potential complications. You may have less invasive treatment options.

Is it bad to remove tonsils?

A tonsillectomy is safe, but it can cause throat pain for several days after surgery. Like all surgeries, tonsillectomy carries some risks. These include bleeding, infection, swelling-related breathing difficulties, and, very rarely, life-threatening reactions to anesthesia.