US Medical Term · procedures
Tonsillectomy
Amigdalectomía
Also: Tonsilectomía (regional variant)
In 9 languages
| Language | Term |
|---|---|
| English | Tonsillectomy |
| Spanish (Español) | Amigdalectomía |
| Chinese (中文) | 扁桃體切除術 |
| Korean (한국어) | 편도절제술 |
| Vietnamese (Tiếng Việt) | Phẫu thuật cắt amidan |
| Filipino (Tagalog) | Tonsillectomy |
| Portuguese (Português) | Amigdalectomia |
| Thai (ภาษาไทย) | การผ่าตัดทอนซิล |
| Japanese (日本語) | 扁桃摘出術 |
What it means
A tonsillectomy is surgery to remove the tonsils, two oval-shaped glands located at the back of the throat. It is most often performed to treat chronic or recurrent tonsil infections, obstructive sleep apnea caused by enlarged tonsils, or tonsils that harbor abscesses. The procedure is done under general anesthesia and takes about 30 to 45 minutes. Most patients go home the same day. Recovery typically takes 10 to 14 days, during which a sore throat is expected. A soft or liquid diet is recommended initially. Adequate hydration and rest are essential, and strenuous activity should be avoided to reduce the risk of bleeding. Pain is usually managed with oral medication.
How to say it
Sentences a patient might use with a doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or insurer:
My child keeps getting strep throat and the doctor recommends a tonsillectomy.
Mi hijo sigue teniendo faringitis estreptocócica y el médico recomienda una amigdalectomía.
What foods can my child eat after a tonsillectomy?
¿Qué alimentos puede comer mi hijo después de una amigdalectomía?
Is there a risk of bleeding after a tonsillectomy and when should we go to the emergency room?
¿Hay riesgo de sangrado después de la amigdalectomía y cuándo debemos ir a urgencias?
Where you'll see it
Related terms
Sources
Last reviewed: September 2026