tonsillectomy
Quick Summary
A tonsillectomy is the surgical removal of the tonsils. The tonsils are small masses of lymphatic tissue located at the back of the throat, and they play a role in preventing infection by producing antibodies. However, they can become infected, leading to a condition called tonsillitis.12
Tonsillitis is an infection of the tonsils, usually caused by bacteria like streptococci or viruses. Symptoms include a sore throat, fever, and swollen lymph nodes. While tonsillitis can often be treated with antibiotics, repeated or severe infections may necessitate a tonsillectomy. This procedure is most commonly performed on children, who are more prone to tonsillitis than adults.312
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