Hostname: page-component-7c8c6479df-nwzlb Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-03-28T22:03:05.867Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false

Uvulectomy to prevent throat infections

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 June 2007

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.

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.

Type
Clinical Records
Copyright
Copyright © JLO (1984) Limited 1994

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

References

Haddock, R. N., Chidue, A. D. (1965) Uvulectomy in coastal Tanzania. Central African Journal of Medicine 11: 331334.Google Scholar
Ibekwe, A. O. (1983) Complications of the ‘treatment’ of tonsillar infection by traditional healers in Nigeria. Journal of Laryngology and Otology 97: 845849.Google Scholar
Ijaduola, G. T. A. (1981) Uvulectomy in Nigeria. Journal of Laryngology and Otology 95: 11271133.Google Scholar
Ijaduola, G. T. A. (1987) Musculus uvulae and velopharyngeal status. Journal of Laryngology and Otology 101: 574578.Google Scholar
Jarvis, J. F., Mwathi, S. N. (1958) Uvulectomy among East African Tribes. Journal of Laryngology and Otology 72: 436438.Google Scholar
Nalin, D. R. (1985) Death of a child subjected to uvulectomy for diarrhoea. Lancet 1: 643.Google Scholar