[Paralysis of the hypoglossal nerve after tonsillectomy? (author's transl)]

Abstract

While injuries of the lingual nerve and the glossopharyngeal nerve in tonsillectomy are possible, a lesion of the hypoglossal nerve is not understandable because of its anatomical course. To see a connection between the lesion of the nerve and a tonsillectomy is probably due to a wrong anatomical concept or incorrect topographical figures. Seen from the oral cavity, the hypoglossal nerve lies behind the great arteries and has, in the region of the floor of the mouth, no direct connection with the tonsil. The medicolegal aspects are reported. Lesion of the hypoglossal nerve might be possible only in bronchoscopy or in direct laryngoscopy.