Tonsillectomy is a surgical procedure to remove the tonsils, which are two small glands located at the back of the throat, one on each side. The tonsils play a role in the immune system by helping to fight infections, but they can become infected and inflamed themselves, leading to a condition called tonsillitis.

Tonsillectomy is usually performed to treat recurrent tonsillitis, chronic tonsillitis, or sleep-disordered breathing such as sleep apnea. The procedure is typically performed under general anesthesia and involves removing the tonsils through the mouth.

After the surgery, patients may experience some pain and discomfort in the throat and may need to take pain medication and eat soft foods for a few days. The recovery period can vary from person to person, but most patients can return to normal activities within one to two weeks.