Coblation-Assisted Lingual Tonsillectomy for Dysphagia Secondary to Tongue Base Hypertrophy

Abstract

Objectives: Lingual tonsillar hypertrophy is an underappreciated cause of dysphagia and is believed to impede swallowing function by inhibition of laryngeal elevation and epiglottic inversion due to mechanical interference by bulky tongue base tissue. We present a case of severe dysphagia secondary to idiopathic tongue base hypertrophy that was treated with coblation lingual tonsillectomy and tongue base reduction. Methods: We report a case and discuss the relevant literature regarding tongue base hypertrophy and surgical interventions to treat the enlarged base of the tongue. Results: Symptoms of dysphagia and globus sensation and signs of decreased epiglottic inversion and laryngeal penetration improved markedly after surgical reduction of hypertrophied lingual tonsillar tissue using coblation. Preoperative and postoperative clinical imaging and radiographs are presented to show the reduction of tongue base size, correlated with the patient's improved clinical function. Conclusions: Coblation-assisted lingual tonsillectomy and tongue base reduction can successfully treat dysphagia secondary to tongue base hypertrophy.