Causes of Tonsillar Disease and Frequency of Tonsillectomy Operations

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Abstract
ADENOIDECTOMY AND tonsillectomy operations are frequently performed surgical procedures among children. The removal of the tonsils and the adenoids is considered to be safe with no known long-term immunological side effects. However, the plain presence of these organs in human beings suggests that they may have provided an evolutionary advantage to humans. In this regard knowledge of the epidemiology of tonsillar disease is important. First, such data may be used to evaluate the cause of adenotonsillar disease. Second, epidemiological data may be helpful in setting up clinical trials on the efficacy of adenoidectomy and tonsillectomy. Third, it may be used in planning further studies on the long-term effects and side-effects of adenoidectomy or tonsillectomy. We report frequent indications for adenoidectomy and tonsillectomy operations at different ages and evaluate the possible factors influencing the frequency of tonsillar disease.