Utah man’s extra-large tonsils shatter world record
WEST JORDAN — Here’s your fun fact of the day: Utah is home to the largest set of tonsils on record.
A 28-year-old West Jordan man went to the emergency room May 9, 2014, having a tough time swallowing and even breathing, which precipitated a tonsillectomy that resulted in a Guinness Book of World Records entry, the Jordan Valley Medical Center said in a press release Wednesday, Dec. 16.
Patrick Kelleher’s left tonsil weighed 28 grams and the right, 25 grams. The slightly larger left tonsil was 2.4 inches long, 1.4 inches wide and 1.2 inches thick, the hospital said.
“My condition made it difficult for me to swallow and breathe, and I knew there was something wrong,” according to Kelleher’s statement in the press release. “It wasn’t until Doctor Gilbert approached me with the idea to apply for the Guinness Book of World Records that I fully understood how unique my situation is.”
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West Jordan, Utah’s Patrick Kelleher (right), pictured here with surgeon Ryan Gilbert, had the world’s largest tonsils. Kelleher’s left tonsil weighed 28 grams and the right, 25 grams. The slightly larger left tonsil was 2.4 inches long, 1.4 inches wide and 1.2 inches thick, the hospital said. The milestone was recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records.
Kelleher was referred to surgeon Ryan Gilbert after his trip to the emergency room.
“The inflammation inside his throat reached critical levels … Gilbert said in a prepared statement. “… Once the tonsils were removed and our team measured and weighed them, I knew they had to be record breaking. With Patrick’s permission, I sent in his Guinness Book of World Records application form and received an official letter awarding him the title. … We were able to turn a scary situation into a positive outcome.”
The Guinness website features details of Kelleher’s anatomical milestone.
You can reach Mark Shenefelt at mshenefelt@standard.net or 801-625-4224.