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Guillotine tonsillectomy: a glimpse into its history and current status in the United Kingdom

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  08 March 2006

J. Mathews ,
J. Lancaster ,
I. Sherman  and
G. O. Sullivan
J. Mathews
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, Arrowe Park Hospital, Wirral, Merseyside, UK.
J. Lancaster
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, Arrowe Park Hospital, Wirral, Merseyside, UK.
I. Sherman
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, Arrowe Park Hospital, Wirral, Merseyside, UK.
G. O. Sullivan
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, Arrowe Park Hospital, Wirral, Merseyside, UK.
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Abstract

Guillotine tonsillectomy was the widely practised technique of tonsillectomy in the late 19th century as it was considered a quick and reliable method of removing tonsils. It fell into disrepute in the early 20th century. This paper reviews the history of the origin of the tonsillotome and traces the various modifications over the last few centuries. The current practice of guillotine tonsillectomy is examined by means of a postal questionnaire surveyof all UK consultants.

Keywords

TonsillectomySurgical InstrumentsHistory
Type
Research Article
Information
The Journal of Laryngology & Otology , Volume 116 , Issue 12 , December 2002 , pp. 988 - 991
Copyright
© Royal Society of Medicine Press Limited 2002

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