Tonsillectomy

Tonsillectomy is sometimes performed along with an adenoidectomy. It involves the surgical removal of the tonsils. Tonsils are located at the back of the throat and are part of the immune system. These glands help to fight infections that may enter through the mouth. Surgical removal of these glands is often required in children who have chronic tonsil inflammation (tonsillitis). Children needing a tonsillectomy may have had a chronic throat infection, chronic snoring, or severe bad breath (halitosis). Adults may also need this procedure under special circumstances, such as obstructive sleep apnea or cancer.