Outcomes of abscess tonsillectomy in patients awaiting tonsillectomy: A comparison with interval tonsillectomy.

PURPOSE: Peritonsillar abscesses (PTA) occasionally occur in patients who have a concurrent history of recurrent tonsillitis or prior PTA episodes. These patients sometimes meet the indications for elective tonsillectomy even prior to the current PTA event. Abscess ("Quinsy") tonsillectomy (QT) could serve as definitive treatment in this specific subgroup, though it is not performed often. The purpose of this study was to compare the perioperative outcomes between immediate QT and tonsillectomy performed several days (delayed QT) or weeks (Interval tonsillectomy, IT) after incision and drainage (I&D) of the PTA in this specific subgroup. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective perioperative outcomes analysis of patients undergoing tonsillectomy (2002-2022) compared QT to delayed QT and IT in patients with PTA meeting AAO-HNS elective tonsillectomy criteria. RESULTS: 110 patients were included: 55 underwent IT, 36 underwent delayed QT, and 19 underwent immediate QT. Postoperative hemorrhage rates were 14.5 %, 11.1 %, and 5.3 % for IT, delayed QT, and immediate QT, respectively (P = 0.08). Mean hospitalization durations were 7.98, 6.92, and 5.37 days for IT, delayed QT, and immediate QT, respectively (P < 0.01). IT had a higher readmission rate due to pain compared to QT (14.5 % vs. 1.9 %, p = 0.032). CONCLUSION: Immediate QT in PTA patients eligible for elective tonsillectomy is associated with lower postoperative hemorrhage, shorter admission time, and potentially reduced postoperative pain compared to I&D and delayed or interval tonsillectomy. These findings suggest that immediate QT should be considered as a primary treatment in this subgroup of eligible patients.

Bilateral Intratonsillar Abscesses: A Deceiving Symmetrical Oral Bulging.

BACKGROUND: Unilateral intratonsillar abscess (ITA) is an underreported, well-known complication of acute tonsillitis. The prevalence of unilateral ITA compared to peritonsillar abscess (PTA) is 1:14. However, bilateral ITA is an extremely rare entity, with only four cases reported thus far. OBJECTIVES: To describe past cases and our experience, elaborating the diagnostic challenge and the surgical treatment for bilateral ITA. METHODS: We conducted a literature search in the PubMed database using the key words intra-tonsillar abscess, tonsillar abscess, bilateral tonsillar abscess, bilateral intra-tonsillar abscess and bilateral peritonsillar abscess. Our search was limited to the years 1980 to 2020. RESULTS: We found that only four cases of bilateral ITA were previously published. All were characterized by a delay in diagnosis with a median of 10 days (4-14 days), symmetrical oral cavity appearance, enlarged bilateral kissing tonsils, and subsequent treatment by surgical drainage/paracentesis. Respiratory compromise was a concern in most cases. Our patient was treated with bilateral quinsy tonsillectomy and had a prompt recovery. CONCLUSIONS: Bilateral ITA is a rare, deceiving entity, with a diagnosis delay attributed to the symmetrical oral bulging. We present the fifth case reported and the first ever reported in a pediatric patient. We describe the assumed pathogenesis and the main characteristics among all five patients, emphasizing the important role of a high index of suspicion and appropriate imaging, guiding to proper diagnosis and treatment.

[Comparison of pain after laser and traditional extracapsular tonsillectomy]. / Sravnenie vyrazhennosti bolevykh oshchushchenii posle lazernoi i traditsionnoi ekstrakapsulyarnoi tonzillektomii.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the pain during the postoperative period after the extracapsular tonsillectomy, performed with the 1.94 µm laser and cold steel tonsillectomy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Sixty patients with chronic decompensated tonsillitis were enrolled in the study. Patients were randomized into two groups: the first one was subjected to cold steel tonsillectomy; in the second group tonsillectomy was done using a laser with 1.94 µm wavelength at pulsed mode. Patients' anamnesis was evaluated (the presence of signs of a toxic-allergic form of the disease, peritonsillar abscesses, the duration of the disease and the frequency of exacerbations of tonsillitis per year). In the postoperative period patients filled out questionnaires: the severity of pain was assessed for 10 days in points from 0 to 10, and painkiller use frequency per day. RESULTS: Statistical analysis revealed that the pain after tonsillectomy depends on the presence of peritonsillar abscesses in the anamnesis. In patients with abscesses, the pain and the need for anesthesia are significantly lower with the laser technique compared with cold steel. The tonsillectomy technique does not affect the risk of postoperative bleeding (in both groups - 1/30). CONCLUSION: The postoperative period after extracapsular laser tonsillectomy is characterized by significantly less pain than traditional tonsillectomy with cold instruments in patients with a history of peritonsillar abscess. Laser tonsillectomy does not have an increased risk of bleeding compared to traditional tonsillectomy.

A pilot study on pediatric mononucleosis presenting with abscess.

CONTEXT: To describe this new clinical entity, diagnosis, and potential management of pediatric intratonsillar/peritonsillar abscesses in children affected by infectious mononucleosis. METHODS: After institutional review board approval, a retrospective chart review of patients who underwent testing for infectious mononucleosis and also had a computed tomography scan of the head and neck was completed. Those who did not have imaging showing the palatine tonsils and those with insufficient testing to diagnose infectious mononucleosis were excluded. MAIN FINDINGS: One hundred patients were included in the study; 15 had a peritonsillar abscess and 29 had an intratonsillar abscess. Four of the patients with a peritonsillar abscess (26.7%) had a positive Monospot or Epstein-Barr virus IgM result, and two of 15 (13.3%) had positive rapid strep or culture results. Of the 29 patients with an intratonsillar abscess, eight (27.6%) had a positive Monospot or Epstein-Barr virus IgM result while two (6.9%) had a positive rapid strep or culture result. Of those with bilateral intratonsillar abscess, five of 12 (41.7%) patients showed laboratory markers for infectious mononucleosis compared with three of 17 (17.6%) with unilateral intratonsillar abscess. This difference was not statistically significant (Fischer's, p = 0.218). CONCLUSION: In our cohort of patients undergoing computed tomography scan and acute infectious mononucleosis testing, patients with intratonsillar and peritonsillar abscess tested positive for mononucleosis markers more commonly than for streptococcus markers. Recognizing uncomplicated intratonsillar and peritonsillar abscess in the setting of infectious mononucleosis in these pediatric patients may help tailor management in this population.

Non-steroids anti-inflammatory drugs and risk of peritonsillar abscess in pharyngitis: a French longitudinal study in primary care†.

BACKGROUND: The safety of non-steroids anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in the context of pharyngitis is doubtful with contradictory results in the literature. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the risk of peritonsillar abscess (PTA) associated to NSAIDs consumption during a pharyngitis episode observed in primary care. METHOD: A retrospective cohort study using Observatory of General Medicine Datalink from 1995 to 2010. All patients consulting a GP from the Datalink network for pharyngitis have been included. The occurrence of a PTA in the 15 days following the consultation for pharyngitis was matched. The association between PTA and prescriptions of NSAIDs was studied via an adjusted logistic regression model. RESULTS: During the study period, 105 802 cases of pharyngitis and 48 cases of PTA following a pharyngitis were reported, concerning respectively 67 765 and 47 patients. In the multivariate analysis, the risk of PTA was associated positively with a NSAIDs prescription (OR = 2.9, 95% CI = 1.6-5.2). Other factors associated with PTA occurrence were the prescription of corticosteroids (OR = 3.1, 95% CI = 1.3-7.6) and an age between 20 and 40 years (OR = 5.7, 95% CI = 2.5-13.0). The prescription of antibiotics was not significantly associated with PTA (P = 0.7). CONCLUSION: Prescription of NSAIDs in pharyngitis may increase the risk of PTA. This study encourages considering cautiously the balance between benefits and harms before prescription of NSAIDs for pharyngitis.

The Liverpool Peritonsillar abscess Score: Development of a predictive score through a prospective multicentre observational study.

OBJECTIVES: While uncommon in the population at large, peritonsillar abscess (PTA) is a common subject of ENT referrals. Missed or uncertain diagnosis is a source of concern for non-specialist referrers. In line with the NHS England Second Sepsis Action Plan, we aimed to develop a predictive score for the presence of PTA. This would help to improve non-specialist colleagues' diagnostic certainty as well as to support ENT surgeons' triage of these referrals. DESIGN: Prospective, multicentre observational study. SETTING: Primary and secondary care. PARTICIPANTS: Patients >16 years with symptoms of sore throat. DATA: We prospectively collected comprehensive data on patient demographics, symptoms and clinical status. We documented whether the patient had aspiration-proven PTA or not. We performed binary logistic regression analysis, iterative development of a predictive score which we validated internally. RESULTS: 100 patients were included (46 PTA and 54 tonsillitis). Five variables added significantly to the logistic regression model: unilateral sore throat; trismus; male gender; pharyngeal voice change; and uvular deviation. Using the odds ratio outputs, we developed the Liverpool Peritonsillar abscess Score (LPS) iteratively. We validated the latest (third) iteration of the LPS internally (ie, on the same sample), yielding sensitivity 96%; specificity 85%; positive predictive value 85%; and negative predictive value 96%. The area under the receiver operating characteristics (AUROC) curve was 0.970. CONCLUSIONS: We have developed the first predictive score for PTA based on symptoms and signs that do not require the user to have specialist experience. Its high negative predictive value may be particularly helpful to non-specialist colleagues.

The presence of minor salivary glands in the peritonsillar space.

Peritonsillar abscess (PTA) is traditionally considered only a purulent complication of acute tonsillitis (AT), but may be related to infection of minor salivary glands. We analysed the presence of peritonsillar minor salivary glands and inflammation patterns in 114 adult tonsils representing three patient groups: recurrent AT, chronic tonsillitis (CT), and PTA. Samples acquired from elective tonsillectomies were stored in formalin, and after preparation were microscopically examined for inflammation and fibrotic changes. Clinical features and histological characteristics were compared between the groups. Of all tonsils, the minor salivary glands were present in 77 (67.5%). Glands located near the tonsillar tissue showed signs of infection in 73 (94.8%), while only 3 (15.0%) of 20 glands located deeper in the peritonsillar space were infected. Compared to patients with recurrent AT and CT, those with PTA more often presented with periductal inflammation, p < 0.011 (PTA 82.1%, AT 42.9%, and CT 63.6%). The majority of our 114 tonsillectomy specimens, collected from patients with AT, CT, or PTA, presented with infected minor salivary glands, and inflammation of the peritonsillar space glands was evident. To further elucidate the association between these glands and PTA, tonsillar samples should be collected and analysed from patients during the acute phase of infection.

[The specific features of the past medical history and etiology of pharyngeal abscess in the children]. / Osobennosti anamneza i étiologii abstsessov glotki u detei.

The present study was undertaken for the purpose of elucidating the specific features of the past medical history and the etiological factors responsible for the development of tonsillogenic pharyngeal abscesses in the children. We performed the retrospective analysis of the medical histories of 291 children presenting with this condition who had been admitted for the treatment to the ENT Department of the Morozovskzya City Children's Clinical Hospital during the period from January till December 2015. The study has demonstrated the following most common shortcomings of the outpatient treatment of the patients suffering from chronic tonsillitis at the stage preceding formation of paratonsillar abscess: inadequate antibacterial therapy of acute chronic tonsillitis or its exacerbation and limited indications for tonsillectomy at the level of the outpatient treatment. The leading role in the etiology of tonsillogenic pharyngeal abscesses in the children is played by beta-hemolytic Streptococcus of group A. It is concluded that the medical history suggesting past paratonsillar abscess is the absolute indication for the subsequent tonsillectomy in the children of any age.

Peritonsillar abscess: remember to always think twice.

Peritonsillar abscess (PTA) is the most common complication of acute tonsillitis resulting in fever, unilateral sore throat, odynophagia and trismus. This retrospective study was undertaken to analyze the clinical courses of 775 patients with two different methods of the first-line treatment. Abscess tonsillectomy (TAC) including contralateral tonsillectomy was preferably performed between 2007 und 2010 (group A; n = 443). After that, incisional drainage (ID) was chosen as first-line treatment between 2010 and 2013 (group B; n = 332). The data of the patients were pooled from the individual charts to evaluate the prevalence of smoking habits, the incidence of the recurrence/complication rates and the number/types of surgical procedures associated with each therapy modality. Replacing TAC by ID as first-line treatment of PTA resulted in a significant decrease of days of inpatient treatment (4 vs. 7 days) and hemorrhage rate (0.3 vs. 5.1 %). A second, third and fourth surgical revision procedure was performed with comparable rates in group A (21.6; 2.4; 0.5 %) and B (21; 4.9; 0.3 %). Smoking habits were reported by almost every second patient. ID as first-line treatment of PTA is capable to reduce the hemorrhage rate and length of inpatient observation significantly. To suggest ID as first-line PTA treatment mandates a close follow-up to indicate repeated drainage of residual pus at an early stage. Further analysis is warranted to verify whether a better surveillance in an academic teaching hospital or surgical modification of the ID is followed by a higher success rate. Smoking habits are overrepresented in PTA patients.

Clinical practice guideline: tonsillitis II. Surgical management.

In 2013, a total of 84,332 patients had undergone extracapsular tonsillectomies (TE) and 11,493 a tonsillotomy (TT) procedure in Germany. While the latter is increasingly performed, the number of the former is continually decreasing. However, a constant number of approximately 12,000 surgical procedures in terms of abscess-tonsillectomies or incision and drainage are annually performed in Germany to treat patients with a peritonsillar abscess. The purpose of this part of the clinical guideline is to provide clinicians in any setting with a clinically focused multi-disciplinary guidance through the surgical treatment options to reduce inappropriate variation in clinical care, improve clinical outcome and reduce harm. Surgical treatment options encompass intracapsular as well as extracapsular tonsil surgery and are related to three distinct entities: recurrent episodes of (1) acute tonsillitis, (2) peritonsillar abscess and (3) infectious mononucleosis. Conservative management of these entities is subject of part I of this guideline. (1) The quality of evidence for TE to resolve recurrent episodes of tonsillitis is moderate for children and low for adults. Conclusions concerning the efficacy of TE on the number of sore throat episodes per year are limited to 12 postoperative months in children and 5-6 months in adults. The impact of TE on the number of sore throat episodes per year in children is modest. Due to the heterogeneity of data, no firm conclusions on the effectiveness of TE in adults can be drawn. There is still an urgent need for further research to reliably estimate the value of TE compared to non-surgical therapy of tonsillitis/tonsillo-pharyngitis. The impact of TE on quality of life is considered as being positive, but further research is mandatory to establish appropriate inventories and standardized evaluation procedures, especially in children. In contrast to TE, TT or comparable procedures are characterized by a substantially lower postoperative morbidity in terms of pain and bleeding. Although tonsillar tissue remains along the capsule, the outcome appears not to differ from TE, at least in the pediatric population and young adults. Age and a history of tonsillitis are not a contraindication, abscess formation in the tonsillar remnants is an extremely rare finding. The volume of the tonsils should be graded according to Brodsky and a grade >1 is considered to be eligible for TT. The number of episodes during 12 months prior to presentation is crucial to indicate either TE or TT. While surgery is not indicated in patients with less than three episodes, a wait-and-see policy for 6 months is justified to include the potential of a spontaneous healing before surgery is considered. Six or more episodes appear to justify tonsil surgery. (2) Needle aspiration, incision and drainage, and abscess tonsillectomy are effective methods to treat patients with peritonsillar abscess. Compliance and ability of the patient to cooperate must be taken into account when choosing the surgical method. Simultaneous antibiotic therapy is recommended but still subject of scientific research. Abscess tonsillectomy should be preferred, if complications have occurred or if alternative therapeutic procedures had failed. Simultaneous TE of the contralateral side should only be performed when criteria for elective TE are matched or in cases of bilateral peritonsillar abscess. Needle aspiration or incision and drainage should be preferred if co-morbidities exist or an increased surgical risk or coagulation disorders are present. Recurrences of peritonsillar abscesses after needle aspiration or incision and drainage are rare. Interval TE should not be performed, the approach is not supported by contemporary clinical studies. (3) In patients with infectious mononucleosis TE should not be performed as a routine procedure for symptom control. TE is indicated in cases with clinically significant upper airway obstruction resulting from inflammatory tonsillar hyperplasia. If signs of a concomitant bacterial infection are not present, antibiotics should not be applied. Steroids may be administered for symptom relief.

A unifying theory of tonsillitis, intratonsillar abscess and peritonsillar abscess.

We review existing models of the pathogenesis of peritonsillar abscess (PTA) and intra-tonsillar abscess (ITA) and present a novel pathophysiologic model based upon observed histopathology in 2 ITAs and 10 PTAs and acute tonsillitis cases. ITA is rare, and prevailing models are only able to account for a minority of cases. The tonsillar lymphatic ultrastucture and the rapid nature of intratonsillar lymphatic transit, offer the framework for a unifying model of the development and progression of tonsillitis, PTA and ITA.

Clinical and biochemical characteristics of patients with Fusobacterium necrophorum-positive acute tonsillitis.

Fusobacterium necrophorum (FN) is the predominant pathogen in peritonsillar abscesses, which is a relatively frequent complication of acute tonsillitis. The study aimed to explore if FN is a significant pathogen in acute tonsillitis, examine the prevalence of FN in acute tonsillitis patients, and describe the clinical and biochemical characteristics of FN-positive patients. A 6-month prospective study was conducted in a Danish general practice with eight physicians. One hundred acute tonsillitis patients and 100 healthy controls aged 15-40 years were included in the study. The prevalence of FN was (non-significantly) higher among acute tonsillitis patients (16 %) compared to healthy individuals (9 %) (P = 0.199). This trend was border significant for patients aged 15-29 years (24 vs 9 %) (P = 0.050). Significantly, more FN-positive patients were men (75 %) compared to patients growing other bacteria (17 %) or mixed oral flora (27 %) (P < 0.001). Centor scores, individual clinical symptoms, and infection markers were similar between patient growing FN and mixed oral flora. FN is possibly a significant and prevalent pathogen in acute tonsillitis among teenagers and young adults. Patients with FN-positive acute tonsillitis do not seem to be more clinically or biochemically affected than patients without growth of bacterial pathogens.

Acute tonsillitis and its complications: an overview.

Acute tonsillitis may be defined as inflammation of the tonsils, predominantly due to infection. It is part of the spectrum of pharyngitis, which ranges from localised tonsillar infection to generalised infection of the pharynx and commonly affects young healthy adults. Simple sore throats secondary to viral or bacterial pharyngitis are very common and generally do not require hospital admission or antimicrobial treatment. Supportive management in the form of analgesia and adequate hydration is often sufficient. However, there is potential for life-threatening complications to develop, highlighting the need for basic knowledge in the management of these conditions. This article aims to provide an overview of acute tonsillitis and its complications, including peritonsillar and parapharyngeal abscess formation. Specific attention will be given to the pathogenesis, diagnosis, investigation and management of each condition, in particular advising on emergency pre-shore treatment and indications for referral to an Ear, Nose and Throat Department. We will also summarise important guidelines and evidence from the literature to support these management decisions.

A review of the pathogenesis of adult peritonsillar abscess: time for a re-evaluation.

OBJECTIVES: To perform a multifactorial exploration of the aetiology of peritonsillar abscess (PTA) in adults, in order to develop greater clinical understanding of the condition and improve management. DESIGN: A literature review exploring key pathogens, predisposing host factors and current pathogenic hypotheses. METHODS: A PubMed search for articles published between January 1980 and January 2012 using the terms 'peritonsillar abscess AND microbiology', 'peritonsillar abscess AND pathophysiology' and 'peritonsillar abscess AND etiology'. RESULTS: Major pathogens in PTA are opportunistic microflora. Group A streptococcal PTA infections present differently from polymicrobial PTA. A number of host factors influence the conditions required for the pathogenesis of PTA. CONCLUSIONS: PTA is clinically distinct from acute tonsillitis and occurs in people with a chronic underlying susceptibility. Targeting host factors, including oral hygiene, antibiotic use and smoking, may prevent PTA. Re-education of clinicians concerning the aetiology of PTA is necessary for appropriate disease management.

Smoking promotes peritonsillar abscess.

Peritonsillar abscess (PTA) is a frequent complication to acute tonsillitis, in particular in adolescents and young adults. Smoking is most commonly initiated during adolescence and young adulthood. The study examines whether smoking increases the risk of PTA and whether smoking is associated with the bacterial findings in PTA. All patients with PTA admitted to the Ear-Nose-Throat Department at Aarhus University Hospital from January 2001 through December 2006 were included in the study. Age- and gender-stratified data on smoking habits in the Danish population and demographic data for Aarhus County for the same 6 years were obtained. Smoking status was available for 679 (80 %) of 847 patients with PTA. 247 (36 %) patients admitted to daily tobacco smoking. Age-stratified odds ratios of smokers compared to non-smokers, for developing PTA, were in the range of 1.9-4.7. Fusobacterium necrophorum and beta-hemolytic streptococci were equally distributed between smokers and non-smokers. Twenty nine percent of the higher incidence of PTA among males compared to females could be explained by a higher prevalence of smoking in males. After correcting for differences in smoking prevalence by gender, the risk of PTA was calculated to be 9.5 % higher among males than females. Smoking was associated with significantly increased risk of PTA in both males and females of all ages. No differences in the microbiological flora of smokers and non-smokers with PTA were found.

[Peritonsillar abscess - smoking habits, preoperative coagulation screening and therapy]. / Peritonsillarabszess - Analyse zu Rauchverhalten, präoperativer Gerinnungsdiagnostik und Therapie.

OBJECTIVE: Peritonsillar abscess (PTA) is a common problem in otorhinolaryngology. The pathogenesis, supporting factors and optimal therapy are matter of numerous investigations. We studied retrospectively smoking habits, preoperative coagulation screening and the applied therapy of PTA. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Data from 460 patients who underwent treatment for PTA between 2000 and 2009 at Dessau Medical Center were retrospectively analysed. RESULTS: The highest incidence of PTA was found in young men, the prevalence of nicotine consumption was clearly increased in relation to the general population. The therapy of first choice was abscess tonsillectomy. Even with preoperative pathological coagulation-parameters no increased risk of secondary bleeding was shown. CONCLUSIONS: The part of smokers of patients with PTA is increased in comparison to the correspondent population of same age. A routine preoperative coagulation screening has a low benefit relating to the prediction of the risk of secondary bleeding. Abscess tonsillectomy is a safe method and has proved itself in clinical daily routine.

Peritonsillar abscess on NSQIP: Safety of indicated quinsy tonsillectomy.

OBJECTIVE: To compare surgical outcomes for children with peritonsillar abscess (PTA) who are taken to the operating room (OR) for incision and drainage (I&D) or quinsy tonsillectomy. METHODS: This is a multicenter retrospective study of pediatric patients who underwent I&D of a PTA between 2012 and 2017 included in the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database. Patient demographics, comorbidities, and 30-day postoperative events (reoperation, readmission, and complications) were assessed. RESULTS: 777 patients were identified (mean age of 10.7 years, 54% female). 656 (84%) were admitted through the emergency department, and 395 (51%) met criteria for systemic inflammatory response syndrome or sepsis. Fifty-two (6.7%) had a quinsy tonsillectomy done at the time of incision and drainage. For quinsy tonsillectomy versus I&D alone, there was no statistically significant difference in length of stay (LOS) (1.9 v. 1.7 days, p = .523), readmission (17 v. 0, p = .265) or return to the OR (18 v. 1, p = .810). Patients younger than 5 years had a longer LOS (p < .001) while females (p = .003) and patients between 12 and 17 years of age (p = 0.021) were more likely to be readmitted. Of 725 patients treated with I&D alone, 10 (1.4%) patients required a repeat I&D and 6 (0.83%) went on to have an interval quinsy tonsillectomy. CONCLUSIONS: Outcomes of I&D and quinsy tonsillectomy for pediatric PTA in the operating room are the same. If tonsillectomy is indicated in the case of recurrent tonsillitis or PTA, a quinsy tonsillectomy is a good option.

An evidence-based review of peritonsillar abscess.

OBJECTIVE OF REVIEW: We present the current literature surrounding peritonsillar abscess management highlighting areas of controversy. TYPE OF REVIEW AND SEARCH STRATEGY: Literature review using Medline and Embase databases (search terms 'peritonsillar abscess', 'peritonsillar infection' and 'quinsy') limited to articles published from 1991 to 2011 (English language). RESULTS: (i) INVESTIGATIONS: Intraoral ultrasound has a sensitivity and specificity of between 89-95% and 79-100%, respectively, for correctly diagnosing peritonsillar abscess and is underutilised currently. (ii) Medical management: Steroids can effectively aid recovery, reducing hospitalisation time and improving symptom relief; however, further study is needed, especially related to risk and cost benefit. Penicillin and metronidazole are an effective combination in 98-99% of cases of peritonsillar abscess. (iii) Surgical management: Overall, there is no convincing evidence in favour of either aspiration or incision & drainage. Quinsy tonsillectomy is subject to great geographical variation, however, is a safe procedure and reduces overall recovery time when compared with interval tonsillectomy. (iv) Admission: peritonsillar abscess can be effectively managed as an outpatient in many cases. (v) Further management: Overall, the recurrence rate of peritonsillar abscess is poorly defined but estimated as 9-22% based on current evidence. Interval tonsillectomy may be indicated in selected groups of patients at high risk of recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: Peritonsillar abscess is a common condition with increasing incidence. We demonstrate the potential for evidence-based modifications in clinical management. However, lack of national consensus may mean that this evidence base is not being adequately exploited in current practice. A national audit of peritonsillar abscess management, in particular looking at recurrence rates and patient experience with different management strategies, appears indicated.