Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
Avatar universal

Post tonsillectomy uvula deviation

I’m on my 10th day post op but the uvula has been about half inch off from the center amd swollen from day 1 and it’s remained that way ever since despite all the scabs having fallen off already and otherwise little pain by now. I also saw small scab in the base of the uvula indicating that they have cut into it during surgery, perhaps accidentally. I can’t swallow properly due to the deviation and swelling.

Is this within the ‘normal’ temporary changes after tonsillectomy that will eventually go away, or does this require attention / action? Could it be due to bad scarring or worse even, due to vagus nerve damage?
1 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
Avatar universal
18 days post op here. Mostly healed up, still on pain meds though.
I have a similar issue. Mine was also slightly cut at the base, and now it's not only the uvula that's hanging sideways, but also the skin that was behind one of the tonsils is connected to the back of my uvula, and is covering up 1/3rd of my throat. I will be scheduling an appointment next month for a checkup, will ask the surgeon about it.
Helpful - 0
1 Comments
Thanks for your answer. I’m now in the end of the 5th week, writing this much later. The uvula was back to a pretty central position somewhere around week 3 but the skin you mention the soft palade that connects the uvula base with the side has remained slightly assymetric and a bit lower. The uvula itself has also stopped shrinking in the past 2 weeks and its still pretty big Id say. But I think the wounds are still changing slowly there are still things filling up or growing, I can still see changes in the structure every week and some white patches here and there that may indicate not yet perfectly recovered tissue.
Have an Answer?

You are reading content posted in the Ear, Nose & Throat Community

Didn't find the answer you were looking for?
Ask a question
Popular Resources
Think a loved one may be experiencing hearing loss? Here are five warning signs to watch for.
Discover the common causes of and treatments for a sore throat.
Learn about what actually causes your temperature to spike.
Find out which foods you should watch out for.
Family medicine doctor Enoch Choi, MD helps differentiate between the common cold and more threatening (bacterial) infections
Dr. Steven Park reveals 5 reasons why breathing through your nose could change your life