Uvulectomy in Nigeria

Abstract

The removal of the uvula for minor pharyngeal lesions is unusual in Western otorhinolaryngological practice. However, uvulectomy is a common procedure for "throat problems' in Nigeria and some other African countries by traditional surgeons. This is because it is believed that the elongated uvula is the root cause of all throat problems. These traditional surgeons are usually barbers by profession and only practice surgery on a part-time basis. Most of their patients do well but some have to be rushed to the hospital with severe post-operative bleeding. Attention of Europeans and other foreign otolaryngologists who may find themselves practising in any part of Africa is hereby drawn to the procedure.

The Traditionally Amputated Uvula amongst Nigerians: Still an Ongoing Practice

“…It is a common procedure in Nigeria and several other African countries with documentations of this practice in countries outside Africa like Israel, Saudi Arabia, and some Middle Eastern countries [3–5, 9]. These practitioners are actually traditional healers or lay individuals who double as barbers performing their acts with a sickle knife and other unsterilized instruments [3, 4]. …”

“…It is carried out by itinerant traditional surgeons who double as barbers using a sickle knife, performing other procedures such as incision and drainage of abscesses, circumcisions, and tooth extractions, and so forth [3–5]. The uvula is assumed to be the organ responsible for all throat conditions by these traditional surgeons, therefore, gets amputated.…”

Double Uvula in a Fifty-Six-Year-Old Woman

“…In addition to these modern medical practices, there are many ancient doctrines about uvula, particularly in Western Africa where uvula is connected to various health problems and uvulectomy is commonly performed to prevent neonates from diseases such as upper respiratory tract infections and chronic coughing. It is also performed to facilitate breastfeeding and speech, improve tolerance to dehydration, and prevent airway obstruction (5, 6). Although these marvelous effects seem unrealistic, uvulectomy might be considered logical for heavy snorers (4).…”

Causes of Velopharyngeal Incompetence

“…Simple uvulectomies, while not performed on children in this country, are performed commonly in some African regions as a ritualistic custom (Nathan et al, 1982) or as a cure for &dquo;throat problems&dquo; (Ijaduola, 1981). Apparently, speech is not adversely affected by such practice unless the surgical excision is too extensive or a local infection produces fibrotic tissue (Manni, 1983).…”