Lingual tonsillectomy

Lingual tonsil hypertrophy can result in obstructive sleep apnea, chronic infection, and, rarely, dysphagia. In patients with severe symptoms who do not respond to medical therapy, removal of lingual tonsils can be helpful. This procedure is best performed through the mouth using a Lindholm laryngoscope for exposure of the tongue base. The lingual tonsils are then ablated with the use of a CO2 laser with a flash scanner. A suction debrider may also be used to remove the lingual tonsils. Patient evaluation, technique, as well as risks and benefits of the procedure are presented.