A tonsillectomy is a surgical procedure, during which the tonsils are removed. Sometimes the adenoids are removed at the same time. Most tonsillectomies are performed on children, and there is some debate among pediatricians about the value of this surgery. In some cases, the tonsils grow back after being removed. This has led to a reduction in tonsillectomies performed for adults as well, but recent research suggests that tonsillectomy may be more effective for adults than children. Tonsillectomy in adults is generally regarded as a particularly painful procedure.