Tonsils Only | Adenoids Only | Tonsils & Adenoids

Why are tonsils and adenoids often removed together?

Because both tonsils and adenoids tend to be involved when there is a problem, they are frequently removed at the same time.

For example, it is often both the tonsils and the adenoids that are enlarged and responsible for pediatric OSA. An infection in the tonsils can also spread to the adenoids.

When the tonsils and adenoids are removed together, it is called a tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy, or T&A, for short. A T&A is the most common surgery performed on children today. In 2002, there were approximately 400,000 T&A procedures performed in the U.S. alone. Another 400,000 tonsillectomy-only procedures were performed in the U.S. the same year, as well as 200,000 adenoidectomy-only procedures.

The reasons for a combined T&A procedure include:

  1. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)
  2. Failure to thrive
  3. Abnormal chin and facial growth
  4. Suspicion of malignancy
  5. Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
  6. Speech impairment
  7. Chronic bad breath (halitosis)
Obstructive sleep apnea is the most common reason for a T&A procedure. However, not all T&A procedures are the same. Click here for information about the risks and benefits of different surgical techniques.

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Why are they removed?

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Tonsils and adenoids together Important Safety Information

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Version 2.1.0 This webpage was first published on September 07, 2005, and was last updated on November 03, 2005.
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