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Management of peritonsillar abscess

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 June 2007

D. Maharaj ,
V. Rajah  and
S. Hemsley
D. Maharaj
Affiliation:
Otol.
V. Rajah*
Affiliation:
Otol.
S. Hemsley
Affiliation:
Durban, South Africa
*
University of Natal, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Box 17039, Congella 4013, South Africa.
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Abstract

A prospective, randomized clinical trial was conducted on 60 patients with confirmed peritonsillar abscess to: (1) compare the safety and efficacy of permucosal needle aspiration with that of incision and drainage; (2) assess whether admission to hospital and treatment with intravenous antibiotics is necessary; (3) culture the pus obtained, in order to decide on a rational antibiotic regime.

Of the 60 patients, 30 were randomized to the needle aspiration group, and 30 to the incision and drainage group. The initial success rate was 87 per cent (26 of 30 patients) with needle aspiration, and 90 per cent (27 of 30 patients) with incision and drainage. Two patients required hospital admission, for rehydration and intravenous antibiotics. The commonest organisms cultured were streptococci (62 per cent); 97 per cent of all patients responded to penicillin. This study indicates that most patients with peritonsillar abscess may successfully and safely be treated by permucosal needle aspiration, and oral penicillin, on an outpatient basis.

Keywords

Peritonsillar abscess
Type
Research Article
Information
The Journal of Laryngology & Otology , Volume 105 , Issue 9 , September 1991 , pp. 743 - 745
Copyright
Copyright © JLO (1984) Limited 1991

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References

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