Management of peritonsillar abscess (quinsy) at Harare Central Hospital

A prospective study was done on 64 patients presenting with features suggestive of peritonsillar abscess (PTA) at Harare Central Hospital from March 1988 to March 1989. There were 41 females and 20 makes with confirmed PTA. Needle aspiration without general anaesthesia was carried out on 60 patients and an acute tonsillectomy on one child because the child was young and uncooperative. There were no immediate recurrences. All aspirated patients were admitted to hospital for 1 to 3 days. 25 of the 60 patients were successfully aspirated by the Junior Resident Medical Officer (JRMO) covering Ear, Nose and Throat Surgery (ENT) and the rest by the author. Incision and drainage was not used. It is recommended that needle aspiration, as simple, safe, comfortable and successful treatment be the method of choice. Parental penicillin, unless contraindicated should be administered to all patients.