[Peritonsillar abscess treated with puncture and aspiration].

Out of 48 patients treated for peritonsillar abscess in our department in 1988, 45 were treated with needle aspiration. In 43 of these the aspiration was positive. More than one aspiration was only required in seven patients, no patient was needle aspirated more than twice. Five patients were treated with abscess tonsillectomy secondary to needle aspiration. In two cases the indication may have been failure of treatment. No complications were recorded in relation to aspiration. Followup time was seven months (median). There were two cases of recurrence of the abscess and five patients subsequently had one episode of tonsillitis after discharge. Needle aspiration is suggested as part of a selected strategy of treatment for peritonsillar abscess.