[Peritonsillar infection. Out-patient management].
BACKGROUND
Peritonsillar infections are the most frequent deep infections in head and neck. The estimated annual incidence is 30 cases per 100.000 inhabitants.


METHODS
A retrospective study was undertaken in 132 patients with peritonsillar infection. A diagnostic and therapeutic protocol was used consisting on diagnostic needle aspiration, incision and drainage and intravenous antibiotic and steroids.


RESULTS
35,6% were peritonsillar phlegmons and 64,4% were abscesses. The median of hospital monitoring was 9,2 hours. Only 25,8% were admitted to the hospital. Six patients had recurrences of the symptoms during the study.


CONCLUSIONS
The needle aspiration is useful in differential diagnosis between phlegmons and abscesses. Bacteriologic studies are not necessary in the routine management of peritonsillitis. Surgical treatment of these patients is controversial. Incision and drainage seems to be appropiated in the management of this pathology. Admission to the hospital is not always necessary if a correct outpatient control is possible.
Palomar Asenjo
V
V
Servicio de Otorrinolaringología y Patología Cérvico-Facial, Hospital Universitari Arnau de Vilanova, Facultad de Medicina Universitat de Lleida, orl@arnau.scs.es
Borràs Perera
M
M
Ruiz Giner
A
A
Palomar García
V
V
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002648:Child; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008775:Methylprednisolone / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008875:Middle Aged; D000039:Peritonsillar Abscess / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000601:surgery*
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D008775:Methylprednisolone