In this series, “The Miraculous Immune System,” we explore the layers upon layers of specialized molecules, cells, tissues, and organs that work tirelessly to protect us and provide practical ways to support these vital gifts.
Tonsillectomy, or surgical removal of the tonsils, is a common surgical procedure performed more than 500,000 times annually in the United States on children younger than 15 years old. While tonsillectomy may reduce patients’ short-term symptoms, many are unaware of the long-term consequences.
In fact, some diseases are associated with this so-called minor operation.
Summary of Key Facts Tonsillectomy is often a treatment for severe tonsillitis with enlarged tonsils.
A 2018 JAMA study of almost 1.2 million children reported that removing the adenoid or tonsils in childhood was associated with a significantly increased relative risk of later respiratory, allergic, and infectious diseases. Increases in long-term absolute disease risks were considerably larger than improvements in the disorders these surgeries aimed to treat.
A Taiwan national cohort study showed that patients with a history of tonsillectomy had a risk of deep neck infection 1.71 times greater than others.
A Canadian study suggests a strong association between a history of adenotonsillectomy and the development of retropharyngeal or parapharyngeal abscesses.
Cumulative evidence of long-term associated risks of infection has proven the irrefutable role of tonsils in our immunity. The mechanism of increased infection relates to various functions of the tonsils in the immune system. When Is Tonsillectomy Considered?
Although the tonsils, particularly the adenoid at the upper part, serve as a front line of defense against infection, their role often isn’t adequately recognized….