Tonsils serve as immuno-protective agents but in some people and especially children who have large tonsils, these glands may act with less or no effectiveness at all and cause frequent throat and ear infections or even obstruct breathing.
This surgical procedure is often performed in conjunction with adenoidectomy.

Tonsillectomy is advisable when tonsillitis outbreaks become so frequent or severe that the patient's general health is affected or daily activities, and hearing or breathing are hindered.
 The specific guidelines for surgery are five or more tonsillitis episodes in any one year, or three or more episodes per year over a period of two years, or severe tonsillitis or tonsillitis not responding to antibiotics.

The surgeon holds the patient's mouth open to make the tonsils visible. The glands are distended from the back of the throat and are removed. Bleeding is then monitored; often the cut heals on its own with no need for sutures.

The doctor will indicate requirements, specific to each patient.

In addition to the risks associated with surgery under general anaesthesia, there are rare cases of bleeding that can go unnoticed and have serious consequences, as well as swallowing or injury to the uvula (soft palate).

After surgery, there is a reduction in but not a complete removal of the incidence of throat infection. During the recovery period, it is recommended to eat soft, easy to swallow foods and to drink a lot of cold liquids. During the first two weeks after surgery, the patient may go through mood swings.

Complete recovery may take two weeks. . Sore throat and ear pain is commonplace in the first days after surgery.