Aspiration of Peritonsillar Abscess

Aspiration of peritonsillar abscess. A peritonsillar abscess can be effectively drained by carefully aspirating pus from three different points (marked with × in the picture) with a thick needle and syringe. The puncture is directed at the bulging part of the abscess right at the side of the tonsil. By comparing with the opposite side it is easy to estimate the borders of the tonsillar capsule.

Picture: Duodecim Medical Publications Ltd