Medical Minute: The Tonsillectomy

BOSTON (CBS) - Tonsillectomies are the second most common type of surgery performed in children.

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There are new guidelines concerning when a tonsillectomy should be performed.

The most common reason for removal of tonsils in children under 15 years of age is not recurrent infections, but breathing disorders associated with sleep.  This major one being obstructive sleep apnea.

The researchers believe that due to improved sleep following tonsillectomy, there can also be improvement in the child's behavior and school performance.

The majority of children who have recurring throat infections usually do not require a tonsillectomy, because with time, generally, there is improvement.

However, there are certain indications when tonsil removal should be considered.  They include:  if the child has at least seven episodes of tonsillitis in one year; or, five episodes yearly for two years; or, three episodes each year for three years.

Tonsillectomies can be helpful but only when they are done for the right reasons.