Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 22, 2026

CO2-Lasertonsillotomy Under Local Anesthesia in Adults
Published on: November 6, 2019
[Pancarditis as cause of death after abscess tonsillectomy]
J Dressler1, A Berberich, K-B Hüttenbrink
1Universitätsklinikum der Technischen Universität Dresden, Institut für Rechtsmedizin. irm@rcs.urz.tu-dresden.de
Abstract:
Paratonsillar abscesses are preferably treated by abscess tonsillectomy as operative therapy. The casuistry of a patient aged 17 who was tonsillectomized for a paratonsillar abscess and died after 12 days prompted a discussion on the scope of preoperative diagnostics. The clinical examination and anamnesis of the young man prior to the operation did not give evidence of any concomitant diseases. It was only through extensive microscopic investigations of the myocardium after autopsy that inflammatory infiltrates of the epicardium, endocardium and myocardium in the vicinity of portions of the conduction system were detected. The relevance of autopsy to the quality assurance in clinical activities is emphasized. Legal questions of possible negligent homicide as a result of the failure to take diagnostic and therapeutic measures are raised.
Related Concept Videos
Tonsillitis I: Introduction
Etiology
Three primary contributing factors have been identified.
Tonsillitis II: Management
Chronic Pharyngitis
Etiology
It often arises from persistent viral or bacterial infections affecting sinuses and tonsils.
Additional contributing factors include inadequate dental hygiene, mouth breathing, recurring tonsillitis, allergic rhinitis, laryngopharyngeal reflux, and exposure to smoke, chemicals, and other environmental pollutants. Allergic reactions to pollen, mold, and pet dander, chronic cough, excessive voice usage,...
Pericarditis IV: Nursing Management
Brain Abscess l: Introduction
Appendicitis