Parapharyngeal abscess in an insulin dependant diabetic patient following an elective tonsillectomy.
OBJECTIVE
To demonstrate a potentially life-threatening complication following tonsillectomy in a diabetic patient and discuss the possible pathogenesis.


METHODS
Case report and review of the world literature concerning parapharyngeal abscess post-tonsillectomy.


METHODS
A 20-year-old female patient underwent an uneventful tonsillectomy following a history of recurrent tonsillitis. She re-presented 14 days post-surgery with a large erythematous tender right mid cervical neck swelling. Clinical and radiological evaluation confirmed a parapharyngeal abscess. She proceeded to have an incision and drainage of the abscess through a horizontal skin crease incision and subsequent intravenous antibiotic therapy. She was discharged home well three days post-surgery.


CONCLUSIONS
Diabetes mellitus is a well-recognised systemic disease that may leave an individual more susceptible to infection. We report the first case in a young healthy diabetic patient and highlight a potential serious complication following a routine tonsillectomy.
Glynn
F
F
Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Waterford Regional Hospital, Waterford, Ireland. fglynn@rcsi.ie
Skinner
L J
LJ
Riley
N
N
Donnelly
M
M
D000328:Adult; D003922:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1 / Q000150:complications*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology*; D017703:Retropharyngeal Abscess / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology*; D013290:Streptococcal Infections / Q000209:etiology*; D014056:Tomography, X-Ray; D014068:Tonsillectomy / Q000009:adverse effects*