Are sutured faucial pillars really an advantage in tonsillectomy?

A prospective study was undertaken in 40 patients to determine whether suturing of the faucial pillars has any effect in relieving pain and discomfort associated with tonsillectomy. The first 20 patients (5 adults and 15 children) had tonsillectomy without suturing of the faucial pillars. The next 20 patients (3 adults and 17 children) had the anterior and posterior faucial pillars approximated and sutured with 3.0 chromic catgut. Objective methods of evaluating pain and discomfort were undertaken immediately and 24 hours postoperatively. The pain and discomfort were the same in both groups. Adults experienced more pain than children, in both groups. Complications occurred in 3 patients, all belonging to the sutured group: 2 had palatal haematoma and 1 nasal regurgitation. Approximation of the faucial pillars to cover the raw tonsillar bed after tonsillectomy does not relieve pain. It is disadvantageous in that it produces complications and prolongs the anaesthetic time significantly. Therefore suturing of the faucial pillars is not recommended.