The Tonsillectomy & Adenoidectomy, or T & A, is performed under general anesthesia. A tonsillectomy and possible adenoidectomy are very common and safe operations. It is the second most common surgery performed on children. Tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy can help prevent frequent sore throats and may also help decrease the chances of middle ear infections. A tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy are not always performed together. If you need a T&A, your surgeon can discuss which method he or she will use. When the surgeon is done, bleeding is stopped and the patient is taken to the recovery area. Children will usually have a sore throat for about 1 week after surgery; adults tend to have a sore throat for about 2 weeks following surgery.