You may have your tonsils, adenoids, or both removed for reasons that include:

• Infection of the tonsils (tonsillitis) that keeps coming back

• Repeated infections of the throat

• Enlargement of the tonsils or adenoids that affects breathing during sleep. This causes a condition called obstructive sleep apnea.

• Suspected cancer of the throat

Tonsillectomy can remove part or all of the tonsils.

This surgery is done in a hospital or surgery center. It usually takes less than 1 hour.

• An IV line is inserted in a vein in your arm or hand. This gives you fluids and medicines.

• You are given general anesthesia to put you into a deep sleep through the procedure.

• A special device is used to hold your mouth open. A tube is put down into your throat to help keep your airway open during the procedure.

• The doctor uses surgical tools to remove the tonsils and possibly the adenoids.

• The doctor removes all of the tools.

• You are sent home when you are awake and recovered from the anesthesia.

Risks include:

• Bleeding

• Electric burns of the mouth and lip

• Infection

• Injury to the lips or teeth

• Numbness of the tongue

• Risks of anesthesia

• The need for a second surgery

• Voice changes