A tonsillectomy is surgery to remove the tonsils.

The tonsils are two clumps of tissue in the back of your throat that help fight infections.

Per the Mayo Clinic, this procedure may be performed due to:

• Ongoing or repeated tonsillitis (inflammation of the tonsils)
• Repeated episodes of strep throat
• Enlarged tonsils that may affect breathing or sleep
• A growth or abscess on the tonsils
• Other rare conditions of the tonsils

Children are more likely to undergo a tonsillectomy, but adults may need the procedure, too.