DOI: 10.36347/sjams.2016.v04i07.063

Pages: 2600-2602

Peritonsillar abscess is a common condition seen in routine otolaryngology practice. Incission and drainage has been mainstay of treatment since many centuries. Recently needle aspiration of peritonsillar abscess is found to be as effective as incission and draiage. In this study we try to assess the outcome of needle aspiration as definitive treatment for peritonsillar abscess. It is a prospective study conducted between January 2015 to June 2016. Total of 50 patients with unilateral peritonsillar abscess were included in the study. All the patients underwent needle aspiration followed by parenteral antibitic administration till the cure. Needle aspiration was repeated in patients who had persistance of signs and symptoms. Age of the patients included in the study ranged from 18 to 72 years with mean age of 37.58 ±13.23 years. 45 patients (90%) had cure from the condition with first attempt of needle aspiration within mean duration of 3 ± 1.2 days. 4 patients (8%) had cure with second attempt of needle aspiration within mean duration of 5±1.3 days. one patient (2%) needed third attempt of aspiration and was cured on 7th day of admission. None of the patients had any complications. Needle aspiration is effective and safe method in management of peitonillar abscess. It is simple to perform and has minimal complications if any. it significantly reduces patient morbidity and treatment cost burden to the patient.