Amigdalectomía y adenoidectomía: revisión de sus indicaciones, técnicas quirúrgicas y cuidados postoperatorios

Tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy are widely used surgical procedures in otorhinolaryngology, especially in the pediatric population. These interventions are primarily intended to treat recurrent infectious pathologies and upper airway obstruction; such as sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome. Indications should be based on well-established clinical criteria, including the number of annual infectious episodes, the presence of respiratory obstruction, or complications such as peritonsillar abscesses. Contraindications, both absolute and relative, should be carefully evaluated to reduce surgical risk. Various surgical techniques exist for both interventions, from cold dissection to more advanced methods such as radiofrequency and the use of a coblator, each with specific advantages in terms of bleeding, postoperative pain, and recovery time. Postoperative care is essential to prevent complications and includes pain control, adequate hydration, a soft diet, and monitoring for warning signs. This literature review provides a comprehensive overview of current management criteria, addressing anatomical, surgical, and therapeutic aspects. Its objective is to serve as a tool to support evidence-based clinical decision-making, promoting safe and effective practice.