Via practica 3-4/2026

Persistent oropharyngeal dysphagia after tonsillectomy – a review article and a case report

Persistent oropharyngeal dysphagia after tonsillectomy is a relatively rare complication that can significantly affect a patient’s quality of life. Difficulty swallowing is a common finding in the early postoperative period and in most cases resolves spontaneously within a few weeks. However, in a small number of patients, these difficulties may persist and pose a significant problem. This article presents an overview of the patomechanisms of oropharyngeal dysphagia after tonsillectomy with an emphasis on the biomechanics of swallowing. It also includes a case report of a patient with persistent oropharyngeal dysphagia following palatine tonsil surgery, documenting the clinical course, results of instrumental examinations, and progress during regular speech-language therapy. The findings demonstrate that a multidisciplinary approach and targeted rehabilitation can significantly improve the safety and efficiency of swallowing.

Keywords: oropharyngeal dysphagia, tonsillectomy, patomechanisms of swallowing, speech-language therapy, multidisciplinary approach