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Evidence summaries

Treatment of Peritonsillar Abscess

Several methods of initial surgical drainage appear to be equally effective in the management of peritonsillar abscess. Recurrence rate is low. Level of evidence: "B"

In a literature review 1, 5 good quality clinical studies on surgical technique in the treatment of peritonsillar abscess indicated that needle aspiration, incision and drainage, and quinsy tonsillectomy are all effective for initial management. The overall PTA recurrence rate is 10% to 15%.

Comment: The quality of evidence is downgraded by imprecise results (limited study size for each comparison).

    References

    • Johnson RF, Stewart MG, Wright CC. An evidence-based review of the treatment of peritonsillar abscess. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2003 Mar;128(3):332-43. [PubMed]

Primary/Secondary Keywords