An overview of current techniques for tonsillectomy.

Tonsillectomy remains a commonly performed surgical procedure. Although common, it has complications and associated morbidity. In an era of cost containment, indications for surgery have been promulgated by the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (2000) to aid the healthcare practitioner in appropriate referral to the surgeon, as well as clinical indicators to help insure that surgical intervention is in the best interest of the patient. Surgical techniques are constantly evolving, with the goal of reducing complications and improving postoperative recovery and healing. Review of the literature suggests that new technologies may or may not be better than the tried-and-true surgical techniques combined with good post-operative nursing care.