A tonsillectomy is a surgical procedure to remove the tonsils, which are two small glands located at the back of the throat. This operation is often performed on children who experience frequent throat infections or sleep apnea. The procedure is usually done under general anesthesia and takes about 30 minutes. After a tonsillectomy, patients may experience sore throat, difficulty swallowing, and some bleeding. Recovery typically takes about one to two weeks, during which patients are advised to rest and stay hydrated. Most people notice an improvement in their overall health and fewer throat infections after the surgery.