What medical procedure is referred to when tonsils are surgically removed?

The surgical procedure for removing tonsils is called a tonsillectomy. This operation is typically performed to address recurrent tonsillitis, sleep apnea due to enlarged tonsils, or other complications related to tonsillar hypertrophy. During a tonsillectomy, the surgeon removes the tonsils, which are located at the back of the throat, to alleviate symptoms and improve the patient's quality of life.

In contrast, an adenoidectomy involves the removal of adenoids, which are located higher up in the throat behind the nose. While both procedures may be performed for similar reasons, they target different anatomical structures. The coronary artery bypass graft is a heart surgery intended to improve blood flow to the heart muscle by bypassing blocked arteries. Lastly, pressure equalizer tubes are inserted into the eardrum to help drain fluid, preventing ear infections and equalizing pressure, and are unrelated to tonsil surgery.