title: [Treatment of peripharyngeal abscesses by means of intra-oral puncture-aspiration and drainage].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Parapharyngeal and retropharyngeal abscesses are life-threatening infections, with a much lower incidence since the advent of antibiotics. However, they still represent a considerable number of emergency visits to reference centres where they are managed with various protocols to improve both morbidity and mortality.
  
  
  METHODS
  Medical records of 25 consecutive patients at our institution (17 adults and 8 children) diagnosed and treated with the same protocol for peripharyngeal abscess were retrospectively reviewed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  All cases were managed using a minimally-invasive intra-oral approach, with resolution of the clinical findings and symptoms.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Puncture with intra-oral aspiration and/or drainage of peripharyngeal abscesses is an effective option instead of the external approach.
authors: Servicio de Otorrinolaringología., Hospitales Universitarios Virgen del Rocío, Sevilla, España. pedrobenaixa@tiscali.es
authors: Juan Pedro
authors: JP
authors: Benaixa
authors: José María
authors: JM
authors: González-Pérez
authors: Mercedes
authors: M
authors: Rodríguez Sola
authors: Ramón
authors: R
authors: Moreno Luna
authors: Ismael
authors: I
authors: Rando
authors: Francisco
authors: F
authors: Esteban
mesh_terms: D000038:Abscess / Q000628:therapy*; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010608:Pharyngeal Diseases / Q000628:therapy*; D011677:Punctures; D017703:Retropharyngeal Abscess / Q000628:therapy; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013396:Suction