Instructions for a Tonsillectomy and/or Adenoidectomy

Tonsillectomies are performed on patients who have had recurrent attacks of tonsillitis, which begin as a severe sore throat associated with fever, headaches, chills and muscle pain. Tonsillitis is the inflamed condition of the tonsils due to infection. The adenoids are located high in the rear of the throat, behind the nasal cavity. Together, the tonsils and the adenoids form a ring of tissue that probably helps build an immunity to bacteria entering the throat area. The crypts and crevices of the tonsils and adenoids sometimes become filled with bacteria and old cells, which accumulate and cause infection and swelling. The tonsils and adenoids may become permanently so enlarged that they interfere with breathing and swallowing. It is not always necessary to remove both the tonsils and the adenoids; however, they often become infected together and are usually removed at the same time