Tonsillectomy in adults: Indications

INTRODUCTION

The number of tonsillectomies performed in the United States peaked around 1959 with 1.4 million operations, the majority being performed in children. The rate decreased to 500,000 in 1979 and to 380,000 in 1996 [1,2]. Approximately 130,000 of the tonsillectomies performed in 1996 were for individuals over 15 years of age [3].

The literature regarding indications for tonsillectomy is largely focused on children. The extent to which pediatric data can be reliably extrapolated to older patients is unclear.

This topic will review indications for performing tonsillectomy in adults. Tonsillectomy procedural techniques and complications in adults, evaluation of the adult with pharyngitis, and tonsillectomy in children are discussed separately. (See "Tonsillectomy in adults: Operative procedures" and "Evaluation of acute pharyngitis in adults" and "Tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy in children".)

PHARYNGEAL ANATOMY

Tonsils are lymphoid tissue. The lymphoid contents are covered by respiratory epithelium that can invaginate and cause crypts. The common term "tonsils" refers specifically to the palatine tonsils. Waldeyer's ring, a ring of lymphoid tissue in the pharynx, is formed by the palatine tonsils, as well as the pharyngeal tonsils (adenoids), tubal tonsils, and lingual tonsils (figure 1 and figure 2).

Tonsillar crypts can harbor bacteria. Solidified "plugs" may form within the crypts, and are termed tonsilloliths ("tonsil stones"). These often have a foul smell and can contribute to bad breath.

                    

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Literature review current through: Apr 2013. | This topic last updated: Oct 31, 2012.
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