What Happens To The Tonsil Tissue After A Tonsilectomy? Thrown Away?

Posted on Mon, 28 Nov 2011

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 28 Nov 2011 Answered on

Sat, 16 Jun 2012 Last reviewed on

Question : What happens to the tonsil tissue after a tonsilectomy? Is it usually checked for any issues or just thown away?

Answered by Dr. Sumit Bhatti (3 hours later)

Dear XXXXXXX

Thank you for your query.

1. The tonsil tissue specimen is usually discarded and incinerated (as per bio-medical waste rules) after tonsillectomy.

2. Histopathological examination is done when a malignancy or foreign body is anticipated.

3. Routine culture of the specimens is no longer done.

4. Routine tonsillectomy removes almost all of the tonsil tissue. Sometimes, a tiny amount may be left behind at the lower pole in some techniques.

Hope, I have answered your query. Please accept my answer in case you do not have further queries.

Regards.

Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D