title: A novel approach to enhance visualization during drainage of peritonsillar abscess.
abstract: Routine emergency department care for uncomplicated peritonsillar abscess involves needle aspiration or incision and drainage. Standard technique involves use of a tongue blade and auxiliary light source. We describe the novel use of a disassembled disposable vaginal speculum with fiberoptic light, a device becoming commonplace in many emergency departments. This novel approach to managing peritonsillar abscess greatly enhances visualization and facilitates peritonsillar abscess drainage.
authors.affiliation: Department of Emergency Medicine, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131-0001, USA.
authors.forename: Darren A
authors.initials: DA
authors.lastname: Braude
authors.forename: Marc
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Shalit
mesh_terms: D004209:Disposable Equipment; D004322:Drainage / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D004636:Emergency Service, Hospital; D006801:Humans; D008029:Lighting / Q000295:instrumentation*; D000039:Peritonsillar Abscess / Q000601:surgery*