The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Pharyngotomy \Phar`yn*got"o*my\, n. [Pharynx + Gr. te`mnein to
   cut: cf. F. pharyngotomie.] (Surg.)
   (a) The operation of making an incision into the pharynx, to
       remove a tumor or anything that obstructs the passage.
   (b) Scarification or incision of the tonsils.
       [1913 Webster]