Glynn F, Skinner L J, Riley N, Donnelly M
Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Waterford Regional Hospital, Waterford, Ireland.
J Laryngol Otol. 2007 Sep;121(9):e16. doi: 10.1017/S0022215107000217. Epub 2007 Jul 19.
To demonstrate a potentially life-threatening complication following tonsillectomy in a diabetic patient and discuss the possible pathogenesis.
Case report and review of the world literature concerning parapharyngeal abscess post-tonsillectomy.
A 20-year-old female patient underwent an uneventful tonsillectomy following a history of recurrent tonsillitis. She re-presented 14 days post-surgery with a large erythematous tender right mid cervical neck swelling. Clinical and radiological evaluation confirmed a parapharyngeal abscess. She proceeded to have an incision and drainage of the abscess through a horizontal skin crease incision and subsequent intravenous antibiotic therapy. She was discharged home well three days post-surgery.
Diabetes mellitus is a well-recognised systemic disease that may leave an individual more susceptible to infection. We report the first case in a young healthy diabetic patient and highlight a potential serious complication following a routine tonsillectomy.
