Which structure(s) are removed during a tonsillectomy?

A tonsillectomy primarily involves the surgical removal of the palatine tonsils, which are the most commonly recognized tonsils situated at the back of the throat. These tonsils can become enlarged or infected, leading to recurrent tonsillitis or obstructive sleep apnea, making their removal a frequent intervention.

While adenoid tonsils, or pharyngeal tonsils, can also be removed in a procedure known as adenoidectomy, this is typically a separate procedure or part of a combined procedure with a tonsillectomy, rather than the sole focus of a tonsillectomy. Laryngeal tonsils are not typically referred to in the context of tonsillectomy, as they are more involved with the laryngeal structure and function. Therefore, focusing solely on the palatine tonsils during a tonsillectomy is essential for understanding the primary objective of the surgery.