Does laryngopharyngeal reflux affect healing and recovery after tonsillectomy?

Abstract

INTRODUCTION:

Laryngopharyngeal reflux is increasingly being implicated in several otolaryngological disorders.

AIMS:

To study a potential correlation between pre-operative laryngopharyngeal reflux and wound healing and recovery after tonsillectomy, based on subjective and objective findings.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

A prospective, blinded study was undertaken, including 60 patients scheduled for tonsillectomy, divided into two equal groups: a study group (group A) with pre-operative laryngopharyngeal reflux documented using ambulatory 24-hour pH monitoring; and a control group (group B) without laryngopharyngeal reflux.

RESULTS:

Group A had significantly higher pain scores on the seventh and 14th post-operative days (p = 0.022 and p = 0.000, respectively) and took a significantly longer time to return to normal eating (p = 0.013), compared with group B. Group A also showed significantly slower healing on the seventh and 14th post-operative days, as estimated by assessing the grade of post-operative slough formation (p = 0.016 and p = 0.029, respectively). A significant correlation between the number of pharyngeal reflux episodes and the degree of post-operative slough was also found.

CONCLUSIONS:

Laryngopharyngeal reflux can significantly decrease wound healing following tonsillectomy. Therefore, pre-operative recognition and management of this condition is desirable in order to eliminate its negative post-operative effect.

• Authors: S Elwany, Y A Nour, E A Magdy
• Journal: The Journal of laryngology and otology (J Laryngol Otol) Vol. 122 Issue 6 Pg. 603-8 (Jun 2008) ISSN: 1748-5460 [Electronic] England
• PMID: 17623494 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Topics

• Adolescent
• Adult
• Case-Control Studies
• Female
• Gastroesophageal Reflux (complications)
• Humans
• Male
• Pain, Postoperative (etiology)
• Prospective Studies
• Single-Blind Method
• Tonsillectomy
• Wound Healing