[Pharyngeal obstruction caused by tonsil hypertrophy in children].

Tonsillectomy for enlarged tonsils has been so soundly criticized that doctors no longer date to suggest the operation. If they do come to the conclusion that the procedure in inevitable, it is only after an expensive and sometimes aggressive work-up. In order to better establish the criteria which should determine this indication for amygdalectomy, we studied a series of 47 patients undergoing this procedure for enlarged tonsils. We conclude that it is most important to base decisions on a thorough physical examination which includes careful inspection of the pharynx and a complete history. Particular attention must be paid to symptoms, especially nocturnal, and to the failure to gain weight.