Quinsy tonsillectomy or interval tonsillectomy--a prospective randomised trial.

Fifty-one patients with peritonsillar abscesses were randomised to undergo either quinsy tonsillectomy (QT) or interval tonsillectomy (IT), and the two groups were compared. The QT group lost fewer (10.3 v. 17.9) working days and less blood during the operation (158.6 ml v. 205.7 ml); haemostasis was easier and the operation was technically simpler in this group. There was no significant difference in length of hospital stay and neither group had intra- or postoperative complications. Only 64% of the IT group returned for tonsillectomy. In this study QT had distinct advantages over drainage and IT in the management of peritonsillar abscesses.