The Efficacy of Needle aspiration along with antibiotics and short dose of steroid in the treatment of Peritonsillar abscess (Quinsy).

Background: Quinsy (also known as Peritonsillar abscess) can be defined as pus collection in peritonsillar space (between superior constrictor muscle of pharynx and lateral surface of tonsil). It is a common complication of tonsillitis. Materials & Methods: This is a descriptive, prospective study.  It was carried out on 27 consecutive patients which were treated for Quinsy from September 2016 to August 2018. All of the patients were hospitalized. Peritonsillar abscess was treated with aspiration of pus by wide bore needle followed by Antibiotics and short dose of steroid. Results: 74 % of patients were found to have previous history of recurrent tonsillitis. 56 percent of patients were already receiving antibiotics at the time of presentation. Mean hospital stay was two days. None of the patients required incision drainage.  Recurrence was seen in only 3 patients. Conclusion: Needle-aspiration at the most prominent (bulging) part of the peritonsillar region followed by intravenous antibiotics and steroids is an effective treatment protocol. We also suggest further controlled studies on larger number of patients to establish its efficacy and safety.