What is the medical term for the removal of the tonsils?

The medical term for the removal of the tonsils is tonsillectomy. This procedure specifically involves the surgical excision of the palatine tonsils, which are located on either side of the throat. Tonsillectomy is typically performed to treat recurrent tonsillitis, obstructive sleep apnea, or other related conditions affecting the tonsils. The terminology stems from "tonsil," referring to the tonsils, and "ectomy," which denotes surgical removal.

In contrast, adenoidectomy refers to the removal of the adenoids, which are located in the upper part of the throat behind the nose and serve a similar immune function as the tonsils. Thyroidectomy involves the surgical removal of all or part of the thyroid gland, where the focus is on managing conditions related to thyroid health such as cancer or hyperthyroidism. Pharyngectomy refers to the surgical removal of the pharynx, which is a different structure entirely, situated at the back of the mouth and extending to the esophagus. Thus, tonsillectomy is the specifically correct term for tonsil removal.