tonsillectomy

tonsillectomy /ton·sil·lec·to·my/ (ton″sĭ-lek´tah-me) excision of a tonsil.

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ton·sil·lec·to·my (tns-lkt-m)

n.

Surgical removal of tonsils or a tonsil.

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Tonsillectomy

A surgical procedure to remove the tonsils if the patient has recurrent sore throats or throat infections, or if the tonsils have become so swollen that the patient has trouble breathing or swallowing.

Mentioned in: Tonsillitis, Velopharyngeal Insufficiency

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tonsillectomy

[ton′silek′təmē]

Etymology: L, tonsilla + Gk, ektomē, excision

the surgical excision of the palatine tonsils, performed to prevent recurrent tonsillitis. Before surgery several laboratory tests, including a bleeding and clotting time, complete blood count, and urinalysis, are done. Tonsillar tissue is dissected and removed, usually with the patient under general anesthesia, and bleeding areas are sutured or cauterized. An increase in pulse rate, falling blood pressure, restlessness, or frequent swallowing warns of possible hemorrhage. When the patient has recovered from anesthesia, ice chips or clear liquids without a drinking straw may be offered. Tonsillectomy is often combined with adenoidectomy. Compare adenectomy, adenotonsillectomy.

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tonsillectomy (tônˈ·s·lekˑ·t·mē),

n surgical procedure in which the tonsils are removed, often because the inflamed tonsils interfere with swallowing or breathing. Tonsillectomies are most common in children and adolescents.

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tonsillectomy (ton´slek´tmē),

n the surgical excision of the palatine tonsils, performed to prevent recurrent tonsillitis.

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tonsillectomy

excision of tonsils, most commonly performed in dogs.