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Re: indications for tonsilectomies

>>Mike Rothschild is here, listening, and flattered that you are asking for his opinion!
 
 
Bravo, Mike.  That was a well-written and well-considered answer.
 
My own take (and I would like your comments on this) is that frequent Strep throat is not an indication for tonsillectomy.  After all, you're not removing the throat -- the child can still get Strep.  (I've had Strep throat twice in the last 15 years, and I'm 45 years S/P tonsillectomy!)  For me, the question is to what degree the child gets severe tonsillitis with those Strep infections, and particularly how much trouble he or she has with swallowing and airway obstruction during those bouts.  So I agree with your implication, Mike, that requiring a certain arbitrary frequency of infections may be too conservative, for children who suffer severely when they get Strep tonsillitis.
 
Bob Mauro, MD
Greenwood Pediatrics
Littleton. CO