Abstract | OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: Persistent taste disturbance is a rare complication after tonsillectomy and mainly documented by case reports or a few retrospective and prospective trials with a limited number of patients. None could clarify frequency, time course, or prognosis of long-lasting dysgeusia after tonsillectomy. The aim of the study was to provide a symptom-based follow-up after tonsillectomy to assess postoperative taste disorders. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective clinical trial. METHODS: From December 2007 to June 2009 adult patients undergoing tonsillectomy were asked to take part in the trial. Two hundred twenty-three patients (119 female, 104 male; mean age, 33 ± 13 years) were included. The day prior to surgery, and 2 weeks and 6 months after tonsillectomy a standardized questionnaire was completed by patients. The questionnaire focused on taste function, taste disorders, pain, foreign body sensation, and bleeding episodes after tonsillectomy. RESULTS: One hundred eighty-eight (2 weeks) and 181 (6 months) patients returned the questionnaires. Thirty-two percent (n = 60) of patients reported taste disorders after tonsillectomy 2 weeks postoperatively and 15 patients (8%) at 6-month follow-up. Metallic and bitter parageusia were most frequently reported. The mean ratings of gustatory function were significantly lower 2 weeks after surgery (P < .001) and reached preoperative values 6 months after surgery. Almost 30% of patients reported postoperative bleeding, 10% long-lasting postoperative pain, and 20% foreign body sensation. CONCLUSIONS: Long-lasting taste disturbance (metallic and bitter parageusia) after tonsillectomy is more frequent than previously reported. Long-lasting pain and foreign body sensation seem to be common symptoms. With regard to these results, a thorough preoperative explanation is mandatory.
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Authors | Clemens Heiser, Basile N Landis, Roland Giger, Helene Cao Van, Nils Guinand, Karl Hörmann, Boris A Stuck |
Journal | The Laryngoscope
(Laryngoscope)
Vol. 120
Issue 10
Pg. 2119-24
(Oct 2010)
ISSN: 1531-4995 [Electronic] United States |
PMID | 20824635
(Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Journal Article, Multicenter Study, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)
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Topics |
- Adult
- Chi-Square Distribution
- Female
- Humans
- Male
- Prospective Studies
- Risk Factors
- Surveys and Questionnaires
- Taste Disorders
(etiology)
- Tonsillectomy
(adverse effects)
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