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CO2-Lasertonsillotomy Under Local Anesthesia in Adults

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Published on: November 6, 2019

Taste disturbance following tonsillectomy--a prospective study.

Clemens Heiser¹, Basile N Landis, Roland Giger

¹Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital Mannheim, Mannheim, Germany. clemens.heiser@umm.de

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|September 9, 2010

Summary

Persistent taste disturbance after tonsillectomy is more common than previously thought, affecting 8% of patients six months post-surgery. This study highlights the frequency and prognosis of taste disorders following tonsillectomy.

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Area of Science:

Otolaryngology
Surgical Complications

Background:

Persistent taste disturbance (dysgeusia) is a rare but documented complication following tonsillectomy.
Previous studies lacked sufficient data on the frequency, time course, and prognosis of long-lasting dysgeusia.

Purpose of the Study:

To assess the incidence and characteristics of postoperative taste disorders after tonsillectomy.
To provide a symptom-based follow-up evaluating taste function, pain, and other sensations post-tonsillectomy.

Main Methods:

Prospective clinical trial involving 223 adult patients undergoing tonsillectomy.
Standardized questionnaires administered pre-surgery, 2 weeks, and 6 months post-surgery.
Questionnaires assessed taste function, taste disorders, pain, foreign body sensation, and bleeding.

Main Results:

32% of patients reported taste disorders at 2 weeks, decreasing to 8% at 6 months.
Metallic and bitter parageusia were the most common taste disturbances.
Gustatory function returned to preoperative levels by 6 months; however, 10% reported long-lasting pain and 20% foreign body sensation.

Conclusions:

Long-lasting taste disturbances, including metallic and bitter parageusia, are more frequent after tonsillectomy than previously reported.
Significant rates of long-lasting pain and foreign body sensation also occur post-tonsillectomy.
Thorough preoperative patient counseling regarding potential taste disturbances and other symptoms is essential.