Tonsils are clumps of tissue on both sides of the throat that help fight infections. Sometimes kids need a tonsillectomy (an operation to remove the tonsils) if they keep getting strep throat or tonsillitis (infected tonsils). Swollen tonsils may also make it hard to swallow or sleep.
At Nemours Children's, we have one of the largest pediatric ear, nose and throat (ENT) programs in the country. We do tonsillectomies every day. We’re here to help kids feel better when their tonsils are giving them trouble.
Find the tonsillectomy care closest to you:
Find a Doctor Find a LocationOur ENT surgeons perform these procedures in children:
Many of our board-certified ENT specialists are named “Best Doctors in America®” year after year. Our seasoned teams use state-of-the-art, child-friendly equipment. Whenever possible, we use the latest, least invasive surgical techniques too. That often means less pain and bleeding — and getting kids back to being kids faster.
Services, programs and care teams differ at each location. Call for details.
We do tonsillectomies in kids at Nemours Children’s Hospital, Delaware (Wilmington) as well as select Nemours Children's Health satellite locations in New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
Our ENT surgeons perform a special procedure called “intracapsular tonsillectomy,” which is a partial tonsillectomy. In a traditional tonsillectomy, the surgeon removes all of the tonsils. In an intracapsular tonsillectomy, we remove most of the tonsil tissue, but leave a thin patch of tonsil to protect the throat muscles. This can help with kids’ pain and make it easier for them to eat and drink.
We perform tonsillectomies in kids at Nemours Children’s Hospital, Florida (Orlando) and Nemours Children's Health, Downtown Orlando.
We perform tonsillectomies in kids at Nemours Children's Health, Jacksonville (in collaboration with Wolfson Children’s Hospital, connected by a walkway).
We perform tonsillectomies in kids at Nemours Children’s Specialty Care, Pensacola.
Nemours now offers scheduled specialist appointments through live video visits. Ask your doctor if this is an option for your family.
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