It was once common to remove children's tonsils and adenoids. Today,
tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy are done less often, and only when the benefits
greatly outweigh the risk, inconvenience, and pain.
Tonsillectomy A tonsillectomy may be recommended if at least 1 of the
following criteria is present:
- There have been at least 4 to 6 severe
tonsillitis infections caused by strep bacteria in the past year despite
treatment with at least 2 different antibiotics.
- The enlarged
tonsils cause severe trouble breathing or sleep disturbance.
- There
are deep pockets of infection in the tonsils that haven't responded to
medication treatment.
Adenoidectomy An adenoidectomy may be recommended if at least 1 of the
following criteria is present:
- The enlarged adenoids are obstructing the airway,
causing trouble breathing and sleep disturbance.
- The adenoids may
cause persistent ear infections, despite antibiotic treatment.
If your doctor recommends surgery but none of the above criteria are
met, it may be wise to get a second opinion.
