We may safely conclude from this evidence, that in the growing child,
it may be well to retain the tonsils providing they are not directly
affected in such a way as to endanger the general health of the child,
but that there is little, if any, danger in their early removal. In
adults, there seems to be no reason why they should not be removed in
cases in which there is evidence of involvement beyond restoration by
treatment or those cases in which there is evidence of toxic absorption.
When surgical removal of the tonsils is indicated, the complete
removal or tonsillectomy should always be done. A careful and complete
enucleation of the tonsils when properly done will never be followed
by any untoward results other than the temporary surgical sore throat.
There is never any excuse, much less a reason, for partial removal of
the tonsils or tonsillotomy, because such operations never accomplish
the desired result and they nearly always require tonsillectomy later.
In association with a reputable vocal teacher I have studied the
results of tonsillectomy on the voice. In none of the twenty cases
studied was there any impairment following the operation, but on the
other hand sixty per cent were improved either in range of pitch,
quality or endurance, in addition to their being more free from
laryngitis, pharyngitis, etc. for which the operation was done. Doctors
Ruddy, Edwards and Reid of our profession have told me of similar
experiences, so I am certain that tonsillectomy properly done will in
selected cases, improve the voice.