ABSTRACT
The palatine tonsils are paired structures consisting of lymphoid tissue. They are located in the tonsillar fossa between the anterior and posterior tonsillar pillars formed by palatoglossus and palatopharyngeus muscles respectively. Acute tonsil inflammation may be a localized episode, in association with an upper respiratory illness or as a part of generalized systemic infection such as infectious mononucleosis. Paediatric tonsillectomy is one of the most commonly performed operations. A Cochrane review in 1998 concluded that there was no evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCT) to guide clinicians for setting up guidelines for tonsillectomy in children or adults. The traditional methods of tonsillectomy are 'cold steel' techniques using metal instruments. Several other methods have been introduced with perceived advantages in terms of reduced bleeding, reduced pain, more rapid healing and ease of surgical technique. Tonsillotomy involves removing a part of the tonsil lymphoid tissue, leaving the capsule intact. The technique is reminiscent of what was historically called guillotine tonsillectomy.
