Tonsillectomy is advisable when tonsillitis attacks are so frequent or severe that they affect a child's general health or interfere with school, hearing, or breathing. However, some physicians believe tonsillectomies are done more often than necessary, so a second opinion should be obtained when there is any doubt.

Specifically, the guidelines for surgery are:

• 7 or more episodes of tonsillitis in one year
• 5 or more episodes per year over a 2-year period
• Severe tonsillitis
• Tonsillitis that is not responding to antibiotics
• An abscess in the tonsils
• Grossly asymmetric tonsils

Tonsillectomy is advised if the tonsils are enlarged and obstructing access to the adenoid during an adenoidectomy operation, or the physician suspects the presence of a tonsil tumor.

Tonsillectomy is usually done on an outpatient basis, with the patient returning home the same day as the surgery. Only rarely are patients observed overnight in the hospital and return home the day after the surgery. Complete recovery can take 2 weeks.

Expect some throat and ear pain in the first days following surgery. The use of ice packs to relieve pain may be used, although sucking on an ice cube or ice cream may provide adequate comfort. In addition, pain-relief medication may be prescribed. During recovery, it is recommended to eat soft, easy-to-swallow food and to drink a lot of cold fluids.

The use of humidifier at home can also bring some comfort. Your child may experience alternating "good and bad" days for 2 weeks after surgery. It is a good idea to keep your child away from crowds or ill people for 7 days, since the throat is highly susceptible to infections during this period.