Indications and complications of tonsillectomy: Current opinion and clinical study

Waldeyer's ring is constituted by lymphoid tissue that represents a local immunological barrier against a variety of antigens(1). The current concept of tonsillar lymphocyte homing is made responsible for the complex control of immunological procedures in the upper respiratory tract(2). Chronic or recurrent tonsillitis remains the predominant indication for tonsillectomy (TE)(3,4). Particularly in children there is a rise in upper airway obstruction and obstructive sleep apnoe syndrome (OSAS) as indication for adeno-tonsillectomy (ATE)(5,6). Hemorrhage following TE is the most frequent complication and occured in 2,65% of our 5469 patients studied. Primary hemorrhage occurs in the majority of patients. Due to risks of hemorrhage treatment and possible lethal outcome TE should remain as an inpatient procedure.