Evaluation of Swallowing Impairment After Tonsillectomy: A Cohort Study

All patients will be evaluated pre-operative by history taking using the Arabic version of Eating Assessment Tool (EAT-10) questionnaire and will be examined by Fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES). All patients will be operated by the same surgical technique. Patients will be directed to return back on the 15th day post-operative after tonsillectomy and they will be subjected to history taking using the Arabic version of Eating Assessment Tool (EAT-10) questionnaire and they will be examined by Fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES).

1. Careful history taking The history of the patients will be taken using the Arabic version of the Eating Assessment Tool (EAT-10) questionnaire. The patient will rate the problem on a scale of 0 to 4 (0 means no problem; 4 means severe problem). A score of 3 or more on the EAT-10 is considered dysphagia.
2. Fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES). Using flexible endoscopy (the flexible nasopharyngeal video-fiberscope Henke-Sass-Wolf, 4.3mm in diameter connected to Lemke video camera). The patient will be given a colored thin fluid to keep in their mouth and then swallow following the instructions of the examiner, then the examination will be repeated using semisolids (1 teaspoon of yogurt) and using solids (piece of bread). The evaluation of swallowing will involve four items: early spill of food (delayed triggering), aspiration, penetration, and retention (residue). And the results will be recorded.