The authors describe the method of CO2 laser tonsillotomy in children with hypertrophic tonsils. The group treated from November 1998 to October 2000 comprises 23 children aged 3 - 8 years. The effect of laser tonsillotomy was manifested immediately after operation by smoother respiration and quiet sleep. The authors did not record marked pain during swallowing. There were no complications such as postoperative oedemas or haemorrhage in the area of the oral cavity and pharynx.

        Key words: laser, tonsillotomy, hypertrophy of the tonsils