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Rare post-tonsillectomy complication in human immunodeficiency virus positive patient: ulcero-necrotic lesion of tonsillar fossa

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  15 August 2008

P K Singh ,
A Masood  and
O P Chawla
P K Singh*
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, Luton and Dunstable Hospital Foundation NHS Trust, UK
A Masood
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, Luton and Dunstable Hospital Foundation NHS Trust, UK
O P Chawla
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, Luton and Dunstable Hospital Foundation NHS Trust, UK
*
Address for correspondence: Mr Pranay Kumar Singh, Dept of Otolaryngology, Luton and Dunstable Hospital, Lewsey Road, Luton LU4 0DZ, UK. Fax: +44 1582 497031 E-mail: pranaysingh@doctors.org.uk
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Abstract

Objective:

Post-tonsillectomy complications are common. The majority are easily recognised because of their frequent occurrence and can be managed as required. Infrequent complications may be misdiagnosed or managed inappropriately. We present a previously unreported complication of tonsillectomy.

Case report:

A 45-year-old Afro-Caribbean man underwent routine tonsillectomy. Eight weeks post-operatively, he developed an ulcero-necrotic lesion of the tonsillar fossa. Subsequent investigation revealed that he was human immunodeficiency virus positive. It is highly likely that the patient's underlying immuno-compromised state, secondary to human immunodeficiency virus infection, contributed to this ulcero-necrotic lesion.

Conclusions:

This case highlights the importance of clinician awareness of rare complications of tonsillectomy, in order to facilitate identification and appropriate investigation.

Keywords

TonsillectomyPostoperative ComplicationsHIV
Type
Clinical Records
Information
The Journal of Laryngology & Otology , Volume 123 , Issue 7 , July 2009 , pp. 801 - 803
Copyright
Copyright © JLO (1984) Limited 2008

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