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PubMed2002

Use of bacteriologic studies in the outpatient management of peritonsillar abscess.

OBJECTIVE: To examine whether obtaining bacterial Gram stain and aerobic/anaerobic cultures alters management of patients with peritonsillar abscess. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 221 cases of suspected peritonsillar abscess from July 1990 to February 1999 were analyzed with regard to outcomes and management patterns of those who had bacteriologic studies performed and those who did not. RESULTS: Pus was aspirated in 153 (69%). Eighty-two had bacterial studies performed whereas 71 did not. Of patients that followed up, all patients had complete resolution in the first group based on initial management. Three patients of the latter group had a complicated course secondary to dehydration and antibiotic noncompliance (P =.24). Of the 82 cultures sent, sensitivities were conducted on only 17 (21%). Nine of 17 grew organisms that were penicillin-resistant. No patient in the study had any treatment decisions based on microbiologic studies. CONCLUSION: In the routine management of peritonsillar abscess, bacteriologic studies are unnecessary on initial presentation. They should be reserved for patients with a high likelihood of infection by resistant organisms, i.e., diabetics, immunocompromised patients, and patients with recurrent peritonsillar abscess.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2000

Otolaryngology consultation for peritonsillar abscess in the pediatric population.

OBJECTIVE: To assess clinical outcomes of children seen in consultation for peritonsillar abscess treated without the routine use of computed tomography or needle aspiration. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective review of patients evaluated in the emergency department for possible peritonsillar abscess. Patient outcomes are reviewed with a statistical analysis of children grouped according to age. METHODS: A series of 102 patients, ages 8 months to 19 years, who were evaluated by the emergency department with otolaryngology consultation for possible peritonsillar abscess. All patients were admitted and given intravenous fluid replacement, antibiotics, and analgesia. Patients who responded to 24 hours of medical treatment were discharged, whereas patients who did not respond underwent elective tonsillectomy. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Outcome of patients evaluated for peritonsillar abscess treated without immediate surgery, needle aspiration, or computed tomography. Outcomes are correlated with age and clinical findings. RESULTS: Fifty-two patients were discharged after initial medical therapy. Fifty patients underwent elective tonsillectomy; 40 of these patients were found to have abscesses at the time of surgery. When analyzed according to age, patients ages 8 months to 6 years were more likely to respond to medical treatment than children ages 7 to 12 and 12 to 19 (P = .023). Significant differences in the mean age of children requiring surgery (11.0 y) compared with those who responded to medical treatment (7.9 y) were observed (P = .003). Younger children who underwent tonsillectomy had a lower incidence of surgically confirmed abscess. CONCLUSIONS: A significant number of children presenting with odynophagia, malaise, pharyngotonsillar bulge, and decreased oral intake respond to medical therapy without radiological evaluation or surgical intervention. Additionally, younger children (1-6 y) are more likely to respond to medical treatment than older children. Pertinent clinical data, as well as advantages and disadvantages of this approach, are discussed.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2001

Bilateral peritonsillar abscess: case report and presentation of its clinical appearance.

Although there is no consensus on its incidence, bilateral peritonsillar abscess is an unusual variant of an otherwise relatively common otolaryngologic disease. A bilateral peritonsillar abscess can be differentiated from other oropharyngeal pathology with a detailed physical examination and complementary imaging. Its diagnosis should always be considered in patients who have signs and symptoms that are suggestive of peritonsillar abscess but whose intraoral examination yields atypical findings, as well as in patients with marked distress or trismus. This article describes the case of a young man who came to the emergency room with bilateral peritonsillar abscess. The author believes that this report contains the only published photograph of the intraoral appearance of this condition.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Peritonsillar abscess in children: a 10-year review of diagnosis and management.

OBJECTIVE: peritonsillar abscess is the most common deep neck infection in adults and children. However, pediatric patients with their smaller anatomy and often inability to cooperate with exam and treatment, provide a challenge. This study reviews the experience over the last 10 years at a children's hospital in the diagnosis and treatment of pediatric peritonsillar abscess. METHODS: a retrospective chart review of 83 children diagnosed with a peritonsillar abscess by the Otolaryngology service over a 10-year period (March 1989-February 1999) were reviewed. Presenting signs and symptoms, physical findings, age, season of presentation, prior pharyngitis history, and prior treatment was collected from the charts. Additionally, diagnostic studies (if any), treatment performed, bacteriology, and outcome/complications were noted. RESULTS: due to either an inability to cooperate fully for examination and treatment, or because of an earlier history of significant recurrent pharyngitis or obstructive tonsillar hypertrophy, half of the children required treatment in the operating room. Twenty-six out of 83 (31%) underwent a quinsy tonsillectomy. Length of stay was relatively short (0.9 days). There were no recurrent PTAs in our series, although four children initially treated with incision and drainage required tonsillectomy for persistent symptoms or residual abscess. Ten of those not treated with tonsillectomy (19%) required interval tonsillectomy for recurrent pharyngitis. CONCLUSION: limited by the ability to cooperate with treatment, children often require different treatment plans. We offer a treatment algorithm for managing children with PTAs that takes into account their age, level of cooperativeness, co-morbidities and prior history of pharyngitis, PTA or obstructive sleep disorder.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1991

Aerobic and anaerobic microbiology of peritonsillar abscess.

Thirty-four aspirates of pus from peritonsillar abscesses that were studied for aerobic and anaerobic bacteria showed bacterial growth. A total 107 bacterial isolates (58 anaerobic and 49 aerobic and facultative) were recovered, accounting for 3.1 isolates per specimen (1.7 anaerobic and 1.4 aerobic and facultatives). Anaerobic bacteria only were present in 6 (18%) patients, aerobic and facultatives in 2 (6%), and mixed aerobic and anaerobic flora in 26 (76%). Single bacterial isolates were recovered in 4 infections, 2 of which were Streptococcus pyogenes and 2 were anaerobic bacteria. The predominant bacterial isolates were Staphylococcus aureus (6 isolates), Bacteroides sp (21 isolates, including 15 Bacteroides melaninogenicus group), and Peptostreptococcus sp (16) and S. pyogenes (10). beta-Lactamase-producing organisms were recovered from 13 (52%) of 25 specimens tested. This retrospective study highlights the polymicrobial nature and importance of anaerobic bacteria in peritonsillar abscess.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2005

Bilateral peritonsillar abscesses.

In the discussion about the management of the peritonsillar abscess (PTA) in regard to the pros and cons of tonsillectomy à chaud versus à froid, the risk of obscure contralateral abscesses is often neglected. To the authors' knowledge, there are only a few series of PTA being analyzed for the abscess rate of bilateral PTA. A group of 541 abscess tonsillectomies was retrospectively analyzed for the presence of a bilateral manifestation of peritonsillar abscess. Twenty-one patients (3.88%) had bilateral abscesses. None of these had been detected prior to the operation. Of the 541 patients, 2.22% had postoperative hemorrhages that had to be arrested under general anesthesia. Within the discussion about abscess tonsillectomy versus stab incision followed by interval tonsillectomy (à froid), the rate of almost 4% bilateral abscesses should be taken into consideration as dangerous complications such as mediastinitis could develop from the remaining abscess formation of the contralateral side.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

Innovative airway management for peritonsillar abscess.

PURPOSE: To describe innovative airway management in an adult with a peritonsillar abscess (quinsy) located atypically in the inferior pole of the palatine tonsil. CLINICAL FEATURES: A 25-yr-old male was admitted for surgical drainage of a left-sided, inferior pole peritonsillar abscess. Previous attempts at intraoral needle and scalpel drainage with topical anesthesia in the emergency department had failed. He had an interdental distance of 1.5 cm and computed tomography imaging showed narrowing of the airway diameter to 8 mm and lateral displacement of the epiglottis. He gargled 10 mL 0.5% lidocaine in the sitting position. We advanced a 3.1-mm pediatric fibreoptic bronchoscope (FOB) through an orally inserted nasopharyngeal airway to identify the glottis and sprayed 0.5% lidocaine onto the airway mucosa. We replaced the airway with a reinforced 6.5-mm internal diameter tracheal tube (TT), advanced the FOB through it until its tip was just above the carina, and then advanced the TT into the trachea. After iv induction of general anesthesia, the surgeon performed a tonsillectomy and drained the neck abscess. Postoperative direct laryngoscopy revealed a markedly improved airway lumen and tracheal extubation over a Cook Airway Exchange Catheter was uneventful. The patient was stable in the recovery room, and was discharged on the third postoperative day. CONCLUSION: We present an innovative technique of fibreoptic intubation in an awake patient with an inferior pole peritonsillar abscess.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Microbiology of peritonsillar abscesses.

AIM: The objective of the present study was to analyze the microbiology of peritonsillar abscesses. METHODS: Thirty patients, mean age 24,2 years, with peritonsillar abscesses underwent aspiration of at least 3 mL of pus, which was cultured for aerobes and anaerobes. RESULTS: 87% samples showed positive cultures. Aerobic or facultative aerobic bacteria were isolated from 23% aspirates, mixed aerobic and anaerobic bacteria from 60%, and anaerobic bacteria from only 3% aspirate. A total of 69 bacterial isolates (34 aerobic and 35 anaerobic) were recovered. The most common aerobic isolate was Streptococcus sp, with Streptococcus pyogenes being identified in 23% of aspirates. The predominant anaerobic isolates were Prevotella sp and Peptostreptococcus sp. Patients had received previous antimicrobial therapy in 63% cases. In this group, 1.8 isolates per specimen were recovered, a lower number than in the untreated group (3.0 per specimen). No significant difference in the species isolated was observed between these two groups. CONCLUSION: Peritonsillar abscess is usually a polymicrobial infection, with predominance of anaerobic bacteria. The number of agents isolated was larger in patients not previously treated with antibiotics, but the use of antimicrobial drugs did not interfere with the type of bacterium isolated.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1993

Needle aspiration of peritonsillar abscess in children.

Needle aspiration for the treatment of peritonsillar abscess was assessed in 43 consecutive children aged 7 to 18 years (mean age, 13.9 +/- 2.5 years) during the 3-year period from 1988 through 1991. A positive aspirate was obtained in 31 (76%) of the 41 patients who cooperated for needle aspiration; a mean of 2.9 +/- 1.9 mL of pus was withdrawn. Of the 31 children with a positive aspirate, in 27 (87%) the abscess resolved, two (6%) required a second aspiration for resolution, and two (6%) underwent immediate tonsillectomy for persistent abscess. Of the 10 children (24%) with negative aspirations, in six (60%) the abscess resolved with antibiotic treatment alone, three (30%) underwent immediate (quinsy) tonsillectomy, and in one (10%) the abscess spontaneously drained. No bleeding, airway obstruction, or anesthetic complications occurred. Needle aspiration of peritonsillar abscess in children, with tonsillectomy reserved for nonresponders, appears to be an efficacious and safe method of treatment.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1988

A randomized trial for outpatient management of peritonsillar abscess.

In order to compare the efficacy of permucosal needle drainage with that of incision and drainage in the outpatient management of peritonsillar abscess, 52 patients with aspiration-proven peritonsillar abscess were entered into a randomized, prospective protocol. A symptomatic scale scoring system was employed to evaluate treatment results. In the needle drainage group, 92% (22/24) were cured with a single aspiration. Ninety-three percent (26/28) of the patients in the incision and drainage group were cured on the initial attempt. The remainder of the patients in both groups were cured with a single retreatment. Only one patient required hospitalization, and no patients required tonsillectomy to resolve the abscess. These data indicate that outpatient permucosal needle drainage of peritonsillar abscess is an acceptable, inexpensive treatment comparing favorably with incision and drainage.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2005

Bilateral peritonsillar abscesses: not your usual sore throat.

We describe a rare case of a previously healthy 30-year-old man who presented to the Emergency Department (ED) with bilateral peritonsillar abscesses. The clinical presentation of fever, trismus and odynophagia was consistent with pertonsillar abscess (PTA), but the presence of symmetric tonsillar swelling and midline uvula confounded the diagnosis. The true incidence of bilateral peritonsillar abscesses is unknown, but the incidence of unsuspected contralateral peritonsillar abscess identified at tonsillectomy has been reported to be between 1.9% and 24%. The diagnosis of bilateral peritonsillar abscesses should be considered when the clinical presentation suggests the diagnosis of PTA, but the physical examination reveals bilateral swollen tonsils with a midline uvula.

Adult↗
PubMed1990

Peritonsillar abscess. Why aggressive management is appropriate.

Peritonsillar abscess is the most common deep neck infection in adults. Infections develop from purulent material collecting in the fascial spaces lateral to the capsule of the palatine tonsil. Infections are usually polymicrobial, and a significant number of anaerobes are isolated. The cornerstone of therapy is drainage of the abscess. With cooperative patients, careful permucosal needle aspiration is an accepted method of primary therapy. Large or recurrent abscesses require otolaryngologic consultation for adequate incision and drainage. Tonsillectomy may be necessary to prevent re-formation of abscess in patients with a history of recurrent tonsillitis.

Adult↗
PubMed1984

Throat culture in impending peritonsillar abscess.

Throat cultures done immediately before the development of a peritonsillar abscess were positive for beta-hemolytic streptococci in only one of 12 cases. To prevent suppurative complications such as peritonsillar abscess, treatment with antibiotics may be indicated in selected severe cases of tonsillar infections despite negative throat cultures.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗
PubMed2005

Intraoral ultrasound in the diagnosis and treatment of suspected peritonsillar abscess in the emergency department.

UNLABELLED: Peritonsillar abscess (PTA) can be a life-threatening disease and may lead to significant complications without drainage. OBJECTIVES: To describe the utility of ultrasound (US) in the evaluation of potential PTA and US-guided PTA drainage. METHODS: The authors performed a retrospective US quality assurance review of all patients over 18 years of age scanned by emergency physicians for possible PTA. All patients presenting with PTA signs and symptoms including erythema and swelling of the tonsillar pillar and uvular deviation were eligible to be scanned. Patients confirmed to have an abscess on US had US-guided drainage followed by intravenous antibiotics in the emergency department and discharge home on oral antibiotics. Scans were performed by credentialed attending emergency physicians and residents. Researchers recorded patient symptoms, US findings, results of abscess drainage if performed, and any complications of drainage. All US examinations were performed with sheathed endocavity broadband US transducers on minimum depth and maximum resolution settings. Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics. RESULTS: Forty-three patients received intraoral US examinations for suspected PTA. Thirty-five (81%) were diagnosed as having abscess on US. All abscesses were drained with an 18- or 14-gauge needle under US guidance. There were no drainage complications. There was one false positive with a focal area of edema yielding no pus on needle aspiration under direct US visualization. No patient returned unexpectedly after drainage. CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that intraoral US of suspected PTA allows for reliable diagnosis and safe and accurate abscess drainage.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗
PubMed1981

Infectious mononucleosis and peritonsillar abscess.

A 10-year material of infectious mononucleosis and concomitant peritonsillar abscess from an ENT department has been analysed retrospectively. The incidence of this combination was one per cent among all patients admitted for infectious mononucleosis. Only one patient showed signs of relative upper airway obstruction. All four patients improved shortly after stab incision. In diagnostic considerations and treatment it is important to bear in mind the rare combination of infectious mononucleosis and peritonsillar abscess.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1994

Ultrasound in the diagnosis and management of peritonsillar abscesses.

This study was conducted to determine the possibility of using an intracavitary ultrasound probe to differentiate between peritonsillar cellulitis and peritonsillar abscesses. Three volunteers and 11 of 12 patients were successfully scanned. The ultrasound method successfully demonstrated four cases of peritonsillar cellulitis and seven cases of peritonsillar abscesses. We conclude that ultrasound is a simple, safe, and noninvasive method of both assessing unilateral tonsillar swelling and determining the presence or absence of peritonsillar abscess.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2005

[Trends and complications in the management of peritonsillar abscess with emphasis on children].

BACKGROUND: Peritonsillar abscess (PTA) is the most common deep neck space infection treated by otolaryngologists affecting predominantly young adults. Children present a challenge owing to the difficulty in obtaining an exact history and adequate physical examination. Particularly for the pediatric age group controversy surrounds the question of optimal treatment. This study was undertaken to evaluate bleeding complications following immediate tonsillectomy (TAC) in a pediatric population (<16 years) of age and to compare our management protocol with the current status in the literature. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The data of 218 children who had undergone TAC between January 1988 and January 2003 in our clinic were enrolled in a retrospective study. The youngest patient was 18 months, the oldest 15.9 years of age (mean: 14.53; median: 14; STD: 12.11 years). 95 patients were male (43.6%), 123 female (56.4%). Various treatment protocols of the current literature are addressed. RESULTS: Postoperative hemorrhage (all from the opposite side) requiring surgical treatment under general anesthesia occurred in 4 children (1.8%). Repeated hemorrhage did not occur, blood transfusions were not required, there was no case with lethal outcome. Several reports indicate that needle aspiration (NP) or incision and drainage (ID) may suffice for the majority of cases but do not distinguish between different treatments for children and adults. More recently, conscious sedation has become a great support for pediatric treatment protocols. CONCLUSIONS: The initial success rates of NP or ID are both very high (>90%) and the overall recurrence rate is low, particularly in children. Only for selected subgroups, patients may profit from TAC, which was clearly not associated with an increased risk of bleeding in our pediatric population.

Biopsy, Fine-Needle↗