Hostname: page-component-586b7cd67f-gb8f7 Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-11-28T06:39:35.532Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false
  • English
  • Français

Parapharyngeal abscess in an insulin dependant diabetic patient following an elective tonsillectomy

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  19 July 2007

F Glynn ,
L J Skinner ,
N Riley  and
M Donnelly
F Glynn
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Waterford Regional Hospital, Waterford, Ireland.
L J Skinner
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Waterford Regional Hospital, Waterford, Ireland.
N Riley
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Waterford Regional Hospital, Waterford, Ireland.
M Donnelly
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Waterford Regional Hospital, Waterford, Ireland.
Get access Rights & Permissions [Opens in a new window]

Abstract

Objectives: To demonstrate a potentially life-threatening complication following tonsillectomy in a diabetic patient and discuss the possible pathogenesis.

Methods: Case report and review of the world literature concerning parapharyngeal abscess post-tonsillectomy.

Case report: A 20-year-old female patient underwent an uneventful tonsillectomy following a history of recurrent tonsillitis. She re-presented 14 days post-surgery with a large erythematous tender right mid cervical neck swelling. Clinical and radiological evaluation confirmed a parapharyngeal abscess. She proceeded to have an incision and drainage of the abscess through a horizontal skin crease incision and subsequent intravenous antibiotic therapy. She was discharged home well three days post-surgery.

Conclusion: Diabetes mellitus is a well-recognised systemic disease that may leave an individual more susceptible to infection. We report the first case in a young healthy diabetic patient and highlight a potential serious complication following a routine tonsillectomy.

Keywords

Parapharyngeal AbscessTonsillectomyInsulinDiabetes Mellitus
Type
Online Only Clinical Records
Information
The Journal of Laryngology & Otology , Volume 121 , Issue 9 , September 2007 , pp. 1 - 3 , e16
Copyright
2007 JLO (1984) Limited

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)