My daugher had her tonsils out aprox. 1 mo ago. I hadn't actually looked in her throat as it hurt her to open her mouth very wide. However, tonight I looked & her uvula is gone...is that normal procedure?
2007-07-10 16:13:23 · 7 answers · asked by Nycole 2 in Health ➔ Other - Health
I am not an ENT surgeon, but I can think of two reasons. I am going to assume that your daughter also had her adenoids removed. The adenoids lie behind the soft palate, so you cannot see them. If they are removed, the resultant scar tissue contracts and draws the uvula upward, sometimes making it appear like it has disappeared. In most cases, the uvula will re-appear.
The second reason is that it could have been accidentally removed with the adenoids. The insturment some surgeons use to remove the adenoids is like a guillotine, and the uvula can get caught in it.
There are reports of removing the uvula to cure obstructive sleep apnea. I am uncertain whether this is standard procedure. I think not.
2007-07-10 16:27:20 · answer #1 · answered by greydoc6 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't know about the uvula controlling the gag reflex---I was born with a cleft palate---no tonsils, no adnoids and no uvula and NO problem with gagging (after my cleft palate was repaired)... I still have no uvula (it's not like they grow back) and at 56 years old, have NEVER needed it . All I DO have in the back of my throat is a long slightly open scar from the surgery.
Ok the uvula only makes people gag when it becomes SWOLLEN (see wikipedia)....your child MAY have had a VERY INFECTED uvula and the doctors MAY have thought it would be best to remove it... why not ASK the doctor why next time you take your daughter in for her check up.
2007-07-10 16:25:08 · answer #2 · answered by LittleBarb 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I would not think so! The uvula has nothing to do with the tonsils... Consult her doctor and ask her about this. Or research tonsillectomy procedures on the internet. (google it!)
2007-07-10 16:16:41 · answer #3 · answered by Cassie 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
not usually..they should have informed you. THey may have told you, but I wouldn't worry too much...Probably for the best for health.
I had tonsils removed.. My father on other hand had tonsils/adnoids and uvula...
I wouldn't go contacting a lawyer, but would deff ask the surgeoun/dr whom preformed the operation what is up.
2007-07-10 16:21:50 · answer #4 · answered by 4kkz 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Not if the uvula was unaffected. I've heard of removing the adenoids, but never the uvula.
2007-07-10 16:16:08 · answer #5 · answered by tsoto_soto 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
no i dont think thats normal at all. thats what controls her gag reflex. i had mine out 3 years ago and they only took my tonsils and adnoids. id talk to someone.
2007-07-10 16:16:41 · answer #6 · answered by Zsia~Zsia & La Dulce 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
NO, NO NO. somebody needs a law suit. we need that for vibs in our voice.
2007-07-10 16:16:51 · answer #7 · answered by joyce s 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋