[Peritonsillar infection. Out-patient management].

Introduction: Peritonsillar infections are the most frequent deep infections in head and neck. The estimated annual incidence is 30 cases per 100.000 inhabitants.

Patients and methods: A retrospective study was undertaken in 132 patients with peritonsillar infection. A diagnostic and therapeutic protocol was used consisting on diagnostic needle aspiration, incision and drainage and intravenous antibiotic and steroids.

Results: 35,6% were peritonsillar phlegmons and 64,4% were abscesses. The median of hospital monitoring was 9,2 hours. Only 25,8% were admitted to the hospital. Six patients had recurrences of the symptoms during the study.

Discussion: The needle aspiration is useful in differential diagnosis between phlegmons and abscesses. Bacteriologic studies are not necessary in the routine management of peritonsillitis. Surgical treatment of these patients is controversial. Incision and drainage seems to be appropiated in the management of this pathology. Admission to the hospital is not always necessary if a correct outpatient control is possible.