Peritonsillar and neck abscesses in the pediatric age group

A retrospective study was performed on 93 abscesses in children admitted for diagnosis and treatment at Rainbow Babies and Childrens Hospital, University Hospitals of Cleveland, during a 15-year period from 1972 to 1987. Forty-five percent were peritonsillar, 20.5% superficial neck, 21.5% submandibular-submental, 9.6% retropharyngeal, and 3.4% parapharyngeal. All four complications resolved without sequelae. Early diagnosis and adequate treatment were of paramount importance to achieve a low complication rate and a short hospital stay. Bacteriology and antibiotic therapy, as well as surgical treatment, are discussed.