Author(s): Lawrence Y. Maliwat, MD, DPBO-HNS and Rosario R. Ricalde, MD, FPCS, FPSO-HNS

Abstract:
The authors report a case of post-tonsillectomy dysgeusia and discuss the pathogenesis, diagnostics, as well as treatment options done in several reported cases. A 37-year-old man who was diagnosed with recurrent tonsillitis underwent bilateral palatine tonsillectomy, and on the second post-operative day, post-tonsillectomy hemorrhage ensued which required emergency hemostasis at the operating room. Intra-operative findings include active bleeding on the left tongue base, wherein hemostasis was achieved via electrodissection. After the procedure, patient noted a disturbance to taste that persisted for several months. Dysgeusia is an unusual complication of tonsillectomy, occurring in 0.3% to 9% of cases.

Key words: Tonsillectomy, complications, taste disorders, dysgeusia, lingual branch of the glossopharyngeal nerve

DOI: https://doi.org/10.61662/PCS_rpup4651