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Uvulectomy to prevent throat infections

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 June 2007

B. E. J. Hartley  and
J. Rowe-Jones
B. E. J. Hartley*
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, St George's Hosptal, London SW17 9QT.
J. Rowe-Jones
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, St George's Hosptal, London SW17 9QT.
*
Dr B. E. J. Hartley, 84 Bramfield Road, Clapham, London SW11 6PY.
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Abstract

It is common practice in many parts of Africa for traditional healers to remove the uvula to prevent infections and other disorders associated with the throat.

We report two cases of children presenting with recurrent tonsillitis. On examination both children showed complete absence of the uvula and prominent tonsils. It was later revealed that they both had undergone uvulectomy, performed by traditional healers in Eritrea. We report this because this practice, although commonly performed, is little known to otolaryngologists practising outside Africa. In addition, although velopharyngeal competence seems to be maintained after uvulectomy, it may theoretically be at risk if adenoidectomy is performed in these patients.

Keywords

UvulasurgeryTonsillitisVelopharyngeal insufficiency
Type
Clinical Records
Information
The Journal of Laryngology & Otology , Volume 108 , Issue 1 , January 1994 , pp. 65 - 66
Copyright
Copyright © JLO (1984) Limited 1994

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References

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