Risk factors of post-tonsillectomy dysgeusia

Abstract

Objective: To investigate risk factors for dysgeusia after tonsillectomy.

Methods: A retrospective survey of medical records identified 318 patients (163 male and 155 female subjects aged 12-75 years, average 41.7±16.1 years) who underwent tonsillectomy.

Results: Thirty three patients (10.4%) and seven patients (2.2%) reported suffering from dysgeusia three and six months after tonsillectomy, respectively. Average age, serum level of Zn and operation time were not significantly different between positive and negative findings of dysgeusia. Women with positive findings of dysgeusia (72.7%) was significantly higher than men (27.3%) (Odds ratio: 3.276, 95% CI: 1.441-7.450, p<0.005). A chi-square test of independence was calculated comparing the frequency of dysgeusia in under 60 years old group (13-59 years-old) and 60 years old and over group (60-75 years-old). A significant interaction was found (χ2 (1)=5.238. p<0.05).

Conclusions: Women and under 60 years old patients had a significantly higher rate of dysgeusia after tonsillectomy. It is recommended that patients are informed of the potential postoperative complication of dysgeusia.

Keywords: Dysgeusia; Glossopharyngeal nerve; Taste disorder; Tonsillectomy.