Rare post-tonsillectomy complication in human immunodeficiency virus positive patient: ulcero-necrotic lesion of tonsillar fossa.
OBJECTIVE
Post-tonsillectomy complications are common. The majority are easily recognised because of their frequent occurrence and can be managed as required. Infrequent complications may be misdiagnosed or managed inappropriately. We present a previously unreported complication of tonsillectomy.


METHODS
A 45-year-old Afro-Caribbean man underwent routine tonsillectomy. Eight weeks post-operatively, he developed an ulcero-necrotic lesion of the tonsillar fossa. Subsequent investigation revealed that he was human immunodeficiency virus positive. It is highly likely that the patient's underlying immuno-compromised state, secondary to human immunodeficiency virus infection, contributed to this ulcero-necrotic lesion.


CONCLUSIONS
This case highlights the importance of clinician awareness of rare complications of tonsillectomy, in order to facilitate identification and appropriate investigation.
Singh
P K
PK
Department of Otolaryngology, Luton and Dunstable Hospital Foundation NHS Trust, Luton, UK. pranaysingh@doctors.org.uk
Masood
A
A
Chawla
O P
OP
D015658:HIV Infections / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000276:immunology; D015497:HIV-1 / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009336:Necrosis / Q000473:pathology; D014066:Palatine Tonsil / Q000473:pathology*; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000473:pathology*; D012307:Risk Factors; D014068:Tonsillectomy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D015431:Weight Loss