A review of tonsillectomy for recurrent throat infection

Tonsillectomy is most frequently carried out for recurrent throat infection, but there is uncertainty about its effectiveness. This paper reviews the evidence of its effectiveness obtained from a search of the Cochrane database and MEDLINE for randomized controlled trials comparing tonsillectomy with non-surgical management of recurrent throat infection. The results show that the effectiveness of a procedure such as tonsillectomy, needs to be considered in the light of its adverse effects. Attempts should be made to inform patients about the uncertainty surrounding the procedure.