DeMarino notes that, “Tonsillectomies were very common in the United States from the 1950s through the 1970s, with more than 1 million being performed each year, primarily on children ages 1-15.” Today, however, this once common procedure is no longer a standard operating procedure.

When did they stop taking tonsils out?

In the United States, as of 2010, tonsillectomy is performed less frequently than in the 1970s although it remains the second most common outpatient surgical procedure in children.

Why do they not remove tonsils anymore?

Why Removing Your Child's Tonsils May Do More Harm Than Good. Researchers say children who undergo tonsillectomies have a higher risk of asthma and respiratory infections as adults.