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[Peritonsillar infection. Out-patient management]
V Palomar Asenjo1, M Borràs Perera, A Ruiz Giner
1Servicio de Otorrinolaringología y Patología Cérvico-Facial, Hospital Universitari Arnau de Vilanova, Facultad de Medicina Universitat de Lleida, orl@arnau.scs.es
Anales Otorrinolaringologicos Ibero-Americanos
|August 17, 2006
Summary
Needle aspiration aids in distinguishing peritonsillar phlegmons from abscesses. While surgical treatment is debated, incision and drainage are effective, and hospital admission is often unnecessary with proper outpatient care for peritonsillitis.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Infectious Diseases
Context:
- Peritonsillar infections are common deep head and neck infections.
- Annual incidence is approximately 30 cases per 100,000 individuals.
Purpose:
- To evaluate the efficacy of diagnostic needle aspiration and surgical management for peritonsillar infections.
- To determine the necessity of bacteriologic studies and hospital admission.
Summary:
- A retrospective study of 132 patients with peritonsillar infection utilized needle aspiration, incision and drainage, IV antibiotics, and steroids.
- Results showed 35.6% phlegmons and 64.4% abscesses, with a median hospital monitoring of 9.2 hours; only 25.8% were admitted.
- Needle aspiration proved useful for differential diagnosis, and incision and drainage were deemed appropriate surgical management.
Impact:
- Needle aspiration is valuable for differentiating phlegmons and abscesses.
- Routine bacteriologic studies are not necessary for peritonsillitis management.
- Incision and drainage are effective; hospital admission may be avoided with adequate outpatient follow-up.