indications for tonsillectomy
Last reviewed 12/2022
Absolute:
- biopsy in selected malignancy
Relative (1):
- watchful waiting is more appropriate than tonsillectomy for children with mild sore throats
- tonsillectomy is recommended for recurrent severe sore throat in adults
- the following are recommended as indications for consideration of tonsillectomy
for recurrent acute sore throat in both children and adults:
- sore throats are due to acute tonsillitis
- the episodes of sore throat are disabling and prevent normal functioning
- seven or more well documented, clinically significant, adequately
treated sore throats in the preceding year or
- five or more such episodes in each of the preceding two years
or
- three or more such episodes in each of the preceding three years
- five or more such episodes in each of the preceding two years
or
- sore throats are due to acute tonsillitis
Reference:
- SIGN (April 2010). Management of sore throat and indications for tonsillectomy