Tonsillectomy and Adenoidectomy: Indications, Complications and their Management

Tonsillectomy and Adenoidectomy are common operative procedures in field of Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) Surgery. Over 17000 tonsillectomy procedures were undertaken in England in the year 2014-2015 and the number for children is likely to be much higher [1]. Tonsillectomy may be performed for recurrent tonsillitis, histological diagnosis or for the management of snoring. Adenoidectomy is rarely performed in isolation but instead employed in combination with other interventions. Adenoidectomy and tonsillectomy (Adenotonsillectomy) is indicated for the paediatric population to manage obstructive sleep apnoea. Adenoidectomy may also be considered in the management of recurrent acute otitis media or persistent glue ear in conjunction with grommet insertion. Tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy are considered “basic” ENT procedures and are often undertaken by junior training grades as a result. These operations allow the development of surgical skills such as knot tying, instrument handling and electrocautery which are integral to the development of the ENT surgeon. This article will act as a resource not only for those undertaking adenotonsillar surgery, perhaps for the first time, but also other clinicians to allow full understanding of the indications for surgery in addition to potential complications and their management.