Tonsils and adenoids. When is surgery indicated?

The efficacy of tonsillectomy and/or adenoidectomy in the management of urgent problems such as cor pulmonale, acute airway obstruction, or functional impairment of nasal respiration, speech, or swallowing is unquestioned. However, relative indications for surgery such as odynophagia, otalgia, or otitis media with effusion are more controversial. The limitations and risks of tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy in these patients are explored.