Hostname: page-component-586b7cd67f-t7fkt Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-11-26T20:52:40.382Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false

Guillotine tonsillectomy: a glimpse into its history and current status in the United Kingdom

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  08 March 2006

J. Mathews
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, Arrowe Park Hospital, Wirral, Merseyside, UK.
J. Lancaster
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, Arrowe Park Hospital, Wirral, Merseyside, UK.
I. Sherman
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, Arrowe Park Hospital, Wirral, Merseyside, UK.
G. O. Sullivan
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, Arrowe Park Hospital, Wirral, Merseyside, UK.

Abstract

Guillotine tonsillectomy was the widely practised technique of tonsillectomy in the late 19th century as it was considered a quick and reliable method of removing tonsils. It fell into disrepute in the early 20th century. This paper reviews the history of the origin of the tonsillotome and traces the various modifications over the last few centuries. The current practice of guillotine tonsillectomy is examined by means of a postal questionnaire surveyof all UK consultants.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
© Royal Society of Medicine Press Limited 2002

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)