Rare post-tonsillectomy complication in human immunodeficiency virus positive patient: ulcero-necrotic lesion of tonsillar fossa.

OBJECTIVE

Post-tonsillectomy complications are common. The majority are easily recognised because of their frequent occurrence and can be managed as required. Infrequent complications may be misdiagnosed or managed inappropriately. We present a previously unreported complication of tonsillectomy.

CASE REPORT

A 45-year-old Afro-Caribbean man underwent routine tonsillectomy. Eight weeks post-operatively, he developed an ulcero-necrotic lesion of the tonsillar fossa. Subsequent investigation revealed that he was human immunodeficiency virus positive. It is highly likely that the patient's underlying immuno-compromised state, secondary to human immunodeficiency virus infection, contributed to this ulcero-necrotic lesion.

CONCLUSIONS

This case highlights the importance of clinician awareness of rare complications of tonsillectomy, in order to facilitate identification and appropriate investigation.