Evaluation of swallowing impairment after tonsillectomy
Abstract Background Tonsillectomy is a widespread surgical procedure. Afterward, some patients experience dysphagia. While this is not always a complication, dysphagia lasting more than 1 to 2 weeks may indicate infection, muscle trauma, excessive scarring, or psychological factors. Research on tons...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
SpringerOpen
2025-07-01
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| Series: | The Egyptian Journal of Otolaryngology |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1186/s43163-025-00866-8 |
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| Summary: | Abstract Background Tonsillectomy is a widespread surgical procedure. Afterward, some patients experience dysphagia. While this is not always a complication, dysphagia lasting more than 1 to 2 weeks may indicate infection, muscle trauma, excessive scarring, or psychological factors. Research on tonsillectomy often focuses on post-operative pain, infection, and bleeding, but few studies examine changes in swallowing patterns after the procedure. Objective To evaluate the swallowing process in children after tonsillectomy and to detect and evaluate the occurrence of dysphagia. Patients and methods This cohort study involved 20 patients who underwent tonsillectomy at Ain Shams University Hospitals’ Otorhinolaryngology Department between February and August 2024. All patients were evaluated preoperatively by history taking by completing the Arabic EAT-10 questionnaire, and they underwent FEES (fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing) examination. All patients were operated on using the same surgical technique (dissection assisted by bipolar diathermy). Patients were directed to return on the 15th day postoperatively after tonsillectomy, and they were subjected to history taking using the Eating Assessment Tool (EAT-10) questionnaire, the arabic version, and they were examined by FEES (fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing). Results This study revealed that alteration of the swallowing process can occur in the post-tonsillectomy period, as 25% of the patients showed residue in the valleculae or pyriform sinuses with the need for multiple swallows to clear the throat. Conclusion Post-tonsillectomy changes in the swallowing process can occur in the form of residue with the need for multiple swallows to be cleared. To gain a deeper understanding, additional research with larger participant groups and extended follow-up periods is necessary. |
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| ISSN: | 2090-8539 |