Ann Oto Rhinol Laryn
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Ann Oto Rhinol Laryn · Jul 1994
Comparative StudyPeritonsillar abscess: repeated needle aspiration versus incision and drainage.
The study evaluates the management of peritonsillar abscess (PTA) by comparing needle aspiration versus incision and drainage of the abscess. Twenty-four of 86 patients treated by needle aspiration underwent a single aspiration, and 38 had 2, 19 had 3, and 5 had 4 aspirations before the abscess resolved. A significant amount of pus, up to 8, 5, and 3 mL, respectively, was detected in the subsequent aspirations. ⋯ A high incidence of streptococcal infections was noted in both groups, with anaerobes detected in only 15% of samples. There was a good response to penicillin-resistant organisms. Although needle aspiration is a tempting modality for treating PTA in community clinics, one should be aware of the risks of a higher incidence of residual and recurrent disease in comparison to incision and drainage, as well as the need for repeated aspirations.