ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Peritonsillitis is a clinical condition of gross tonsillar infection in a septic patient with localized swelling in the peritonsillar region, and which encompasses both peritonsillar abscess and cellulitis. It is not rarely experienced in spite of decreasing incidence since the advent of antibiotic therapy. OBJECTIVES: Our objective was a clinical observation of many factors in relation to peritonsillitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A clinical observation was performed on 40 cases with peritonsillitis, who visited St. Benedict hospital during 3 years from February 1994 to March 1997. A needle aspiration was attempted at the point of maximum bulging using a 10cc syringe with an 18-gauge needle. RESULTS: Among 40 cases, 23 cases yielded pus. From those 23 cases, we could isolate 22 strains in 20 cases. Incision and drainage was performed only in cases of aspiration of pus(23 cases). There was no significant difference in duration of hospitalization between I & D group(7.17 days) and non-I & D group(6.71 days)(p>0.05). CONCLUSION: We conclude that I & D can't reduce the duration of hospitalization even though I & D is helpful for the relief of symptoms, and the adequate use of antibiotics is important for the treatment of peritonsillitis.