Peritonsillar Abscess: A New Approach for its Management

Abstract

Objective:To see the effectiveness of various treatment modalities in peritonsillar abscess.
Material and Methods: 250 patients were admitted in ENT department services hospital
Lahore through emergency and opd having symptoms of unilateral severe throat pain, trismus,
drolling, earache, and change of voice (hot potato voice). Patients having peritonsillitis can be
differentiated from peritonsillar abscess by intraoral ultrasonography.
Results: 50 Patients having peritonsillitis are treated by IV antibiotic, pain killer and IV fluids. In
patients having peritonsillar abscess needdle aspiration done in 15 patients (6%) and incision and
drainage done in 85 patients (34%). In 100 patients having history of recurrent acute
tonsillitis(four to five attack per year) and sleep apnea interval tonsillectomy done.
Conclusion: Peritonsillitis can be mananged conservatively. Incision drainage is gold standard
for peritonsillar abscess. In tonsillectomy when indicated early interval tonsillectomy is better
option than delayed interval tonsillectomy.