tonsillectomy /ton′silek″təmē/ [L, tonsilla + Gk, ektomē, excision] , the surgical excision of the palatine tonsils, performed to prevent recurrent tonsillitis. Before surgery several laboratory tests, including a bleeding and clotting time, complete blood count, and urinalysis, are done. Tonsillar tissue is dissected and removed, usually with the patient under general anesthesia, and bleeding areas are sutured or cauterized. An increase in pulse rate, falling blood pressure, restlessness, or frequent swallowing warns of possible hemorrhage. When the patient has recovered from anesthesia, ice chips or clear liquids without a drinking straw may be offered. Tonsillectomy is often combined with adenoidectomy. Compare adenectomy, adenotonsillectomy.
