Key points
There is a lack of evidence from wellconducted randomised controlled trials on the clinical effectiveness of tonsillectomy for recurrent bacterial tonsillitis.
Criteria for tonsillectomy are commonly based on SIGN Guideline 34: sore throats are due to tonsillitis; five or more episodes per year; symptoms for at least a year; episodes
prevent normal functioning.
6% of patients are readmitted with bleeding;
0.2% of patients return to the operating theatre.
The North of England study of tonsillectomy and adeno-tonsillectomy in children (NESSTAC) is a major randomised controlled trial which is due to report in 2009.