Longtermevaluation of taste after tonsillectomy

The focus in this retrospective matched pairs study was the sense of taste years after tonsillectomy. 120 patients minimum one year after tonsillectomy and 120 non-tonsillectomized patients were included. Patient´s taste was evaluated with the “taste strips” method and all patients were orally investigated for palatopharyngeal asymmetries or insufficiencies. 29 patients were completely included and evaluated. Matched pairs design war possible in regards to age, sex and risk factors (smoking and antidepressive medication). Main results of the study were that even years after tonsillectomy permanent taste depressions and palatopharyngeal asymmetries could occur. Odds ratio for asymmetric distaste was 3.9times more in the tonsillectomized group and the prevalence for taste depression was 26 % in comparison to 8.7 % in the non-tonsillectomized group. However, the patients do not feel any problems with it. In order to avoid a nocebo effect, patients should not informed about possible taste depressions. Although palatopharyngeal assymetries and taste depression are clinically harmless, the technique of tonsillectomy should be exactly at the capsule and deep ligature sutures at the lower pole should be avoided.

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Publication History

Article published online:
10 June 2020