Tonsillectomy is one the most common surgical procedures performed by the Otolaryngologist (ear, nose, and throat specialist). Nationwide, approximately 600,000 tonsillectomies are performed each year on children and adults. Typical reasons for tonsillectomy include: tonsil hypertrophy (enlargement) leading to obstructed breathing, recurrent tonsil infection, or cryptic tonsils that accumulate foul smelling debris. Patients are generally discharged home the same day after a tonsillectomy, but children under three will usually stay one night in the hospital.
Adenoidectomy is also a common Otolaryngology procedure, often done simultaneously with tonsillectomy. Adenoidectomy can also be done as a stand-alone procedure, or in combination with placement of ear tubes (pressure equalization tubes). Adenoidectomy is performed to treat chronic sinusitis in children, snoring, obstructive sleep apnea, and chronic mouth breathing. It is also helpful for chronic middle ear fluid or infections.