Tonsillectomy may cause altered tongue sensation in adult patients.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the frequency of altered tongue sensation following tonsillectomy, and its relationship to different surgical techniques.


METHODS
Case-control study.


METHODS
District general hospital.


METHODS
One hundred and four consecutive adults undergoing tonsillectomy, and 43 control patients.


METHODS
Altered tongue sensation.


RESULTS
Twenty-eight of 100 patients described altered tongue sensation post-tonsillectomy. No patients in the control group experienced altered tongue sensation. There was a difference in rates of altered sensation between tonsillectomy patient groups undergoing bipolar diathermy and 'cold steel' techniques (p < 0.019). Three months after surgery, 22/23 contactable patients reported complete recovery of tongue sensation. One patient experienced tongue paraesthesia persisting until one year post-tonsillectomy.


CONCLUSIONS
Tonsillectomy resulted in altered tongue sensation in 28 per cent of our study group. Bipolar diathermy dissection was significantly more likely to cause altered sensation than cold steel dissection. Ninety-six per cent of these disturbances resolved by three months, all by one year. Possible alteration of tongue sensation should be discussed whilst obtaining consent for tonsillectomy.
Smithard
A
A
Department of Otolaryngology, Wexham Park Hospital, Slough, UK. abigailsmithard@hotmail.com
Cullen
C
C
Thirlwall
A S
AS
Aldren
C
C
D000328:Adult; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012307:Risk Factors; D012678:Sensation Disorders / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D013997:Time Factors; D014060:Tongue Diseases / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D014068:Tonsillectomy / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000379:methods / Q000523:psychology; D014069:Tonsillitis / Q000523:psychology / Q000601:surgery*; D055815:Young Adult