Tonsil stones are not associated with significant morbidity, whereas tonsillectomy is. It has therefore been agreed that the Scottish NHS will not undertake tonsillectomy for this indication.
Tonsil stones represent the accumulation of debris and bacteria within the crypts of the palatine tonsils. In general, they cause minimal symptoms. However occasionally patients report bad breath (halitosis) and discomfort in the tonsil area due to the presence of these accumulations. Tonsil stones are not typically associated with acute infection such as bacterial tonsillitis, although they can co-exist in patients with a history of recurrent tonsillitis. There is no evidence that the presence of tonsil stones leads to long term health issues and a lack a lack of evidence to support the use of tonsillectomy in the management of tonsil stones.
Please see ENT – Adults Consensus Statement on the Mgt of Tonsil stones ENT Scotland Mar19.pdf for full details and for indications for tonsillectomy.
C.M & I.N 27-1-24
