Tonsillectomy (En español: Amigdalectomía) Say: tahn-suh-lek-tuh-me Tonsils are those two bumps on each side of the back of your throat. Your tonsils are "germ catchers" for your body. Sometimes, though, these germs multiply, hang out on your tonsils, and make them swollen, red, and painful. Usually, medicine can make you better. But if you keep getting tonsil infections - called tonsillitis - doctors can help by performing an operation called a tonsillectomy, where they take your tonsils out. Luckily, our tonsils aren't super important parts of our bodies, so you won't miss them when they're gone. And while your throat is healing, you can have all the gelatin and ice cream you can eat! Back to Articles Related Articles Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor. © 1995-2021 KidsHealth®. All rights reserved. Images provided by The Nemours Foundation, iStock, Getty Images, Veer, Shutterstock, and Clipart.com.