Peer Reviewed
Practical procedures

Draining a peritonsillar abscess

David Veivers
Abstract
Peritonsillar abscess is an uncommon complication of acute tonsillitis that should have a good outcome when managed well.
Key Points

    A peritonsillar abscess or ‘quinsy’ – an abscess collecting in the potential space between the tonsillar capsule and the bed of the tonsil (superior constrictor muscle) – usually follows a case of bacterial tonsillitis but can occur after foreign body penetration into the peritonsillar space. The condition arises in 30 individuals per 100,000 population per year.

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