What is a tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy?
A tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy (T&A) is surgery that is done to remove the tonsils and adenoids. Each person has 2 tonsils, one on each side of the back of the throat. They look like reddish, oval-shaped masses and are easy to see. The adenoids are high in the throat behind the nose and the roof of the mouth and cannot be seen without special equipment. The tonsils and adenoids help the body fight respiratory infections, such as colds. However, they can be removed without changing the body’s ability to fight infection.
