Tonsillitis and Peritonsillar Abscess

Therapeutic management of peritonsillar abscess during COVID-19

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study is to examine the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic and lockdown policies in Germany on frequency and treatment of peritonsillar abscess at a tertiary referral center in Germany.

METHODS

This retrospective case-control study analyzed all cases of peritonsillar abscess treated from 03/01/2018 until 08/30/2022 at Augsburg ENT University Hospital, Germany, through abscess tonsillectomy and/ or incisional drainage. Data was collected and correlated to Covid-19 Stringency Index using codes based on the Institute for Hospital Remuneration System in Germany. After excluding 303 cases, 975 abscess tonsillectomy and incisional drainage cases were studied, with the first German lockdown serving as cutoff date. Treatment algorithm was maintained regardless of co-infection with Covid-19.

RESULTS

A total of 174 patients received abscess tonsillectomy as therapy, while 801 patients underwent incisional drainage. Before the first German lockdown, 452 patients received incisional drainage. Since the pandemic, 349 cases of incisional drainage were registered (OR = 0.54, 95%-CI [0.27-0.86], p = 0.04), despite no significant change in the percentage of peritonsillar abscess of all ENT emergencies. The mean age at presentation with PTA was 39.8 years, and the rate of relapse was 4.0%. The study found no association between the scale of policy measures and treatment (OR = 1.00, 95%-CI [0.99-1.01], p = 0.52).

CONCLUSION

The results indicate that, despite the reduction in capacities due to Covid-19, the proportion of patients with peritonsillar abscess treated through abscess tonsillectomy increased at Augsburg ENT University Hospital since the first German lockdown. Hospitalization times could still be reduced with comparable relapse rates.

Assessing the efficacy of celecoxib after tonsillectomy and/or adenoidectomy: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised control trials

OBJECTIVES

Tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy are common surgical procedures that cause persistent pain, bleeding, and functional limitations. We aimed to investigate the efficacy of celecoxib compared with a placebo for managing post-tonsillectomy or adenoidectomy pain and other adverse events.

DESIGN

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

METHODS

We conducted a systematic literature search in the PubMed, Cochrane, and Google Scholar databases from inception until July 2023. Dichotomous outcomes have been reported as risk ratios (RR) while continuous outcomes were reported using mean differences (MD). A funnel plot was drawn to investigate publication bias.

RESULTS

From 1394 records identified, 6 randomised double-blind trials comprising 591 participants undergoing tonsillectomy and/or adenoidectomy were eligible for inclusion. A high dose (400 mg) of celecoxib was effective in decreasing the pain score for 'worst pain' after the procedure (MD: -10.98, [95% CI: -11.53, -10.42], p < .01, I2 = 0%) while a low dose (200 mg) was not significantly effective (p = 0.31). For managing other outcomes such as vomiting (RR: 1.37 [95% CI: 0.69, 2.68], p = 0.37, I2 = 67%), diarrhoea (RR: 1.41, [95% CI: 0.75, 2.64], p = .29, I2 = 42%), dizziness/drowsiness (RR: 0.90, [95% CI: 0.71, 1.15], p = .48, I2 = 0%), functional recovery time (p = .74), and headache (p = .91), there was no significant difference between the group on celecoxib and the placebo group regardless of dosage. Finally, there was no significant difference (RR: 1.02, [95% CI: 0.91, 1.15], p = .69, I2 = 0%) in the effect of the intervention on minimum bleeding, moderate bleeding, and profuse bleeding.

CONCLUSION

This meta-analysis provides robust evidence pooled from high-quality trials and raises questions about the efficacy of celecoxib for tonsillectomy and/or adenoidectomy, challenging existing perceptions.

[The normal sonographic picture of the paratonsillar region and the prerequisites for ultrasound diagnosis of purulent pathology of the pharynx]

Paratonsillar abscess (PTA) stands out among all otorhinolaryngological diseases, since it can cause life-threatening complications that develop in the shortest possible time due to the close connection of the cellular spaces of the head, neck and mediastinum. In addition to physical examination, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging are routinely used to diagnose PTA, sonography is less often used. With the help of the latter, it is possible to reliably distinguish PTA from both paratonsillitis and a number of other diseases, including an aneurysm of the internal carotid artery, using the Doppler mode. However, there are significant gaps in the ultrasound diagnosis of PTA and paratonsillitis: the use of a percutaneous convex sensor is not described, there is no description of clear anatomical landmarks for reliable and rapid recognition of PTA, and diagnostically complete algorithms for verification and visualization of paratonsillitis and PTA using sonographic examination have not been developed. Our work is aimed at filling these gaps.

Bacterial colonisation of surface and core of palatine tonsils among Tanzanian children with recurrent chronic tonsillitis and obstructive sleep apnoea who underwent (adeno)tonsillectomy

OBJECTIVE

Acute and chronic tonsillitis are frequently treated with antibiotics. This study aimed to understand the presence of pathogenic micro-organisms on the surface and core of chronically infected tonsils among Tanzanian children.

METHODS

The study enrolled children undergoing adenotonsillectomy. Surface and core tonsillar swabs were taken. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction was performed for Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, Moraxella catarrhalis, Staphylococcus aureus, Neisseria meningitidis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

RESULTS

Surface and core combined, isolated N meningitidis (86.1 per cent) was found the most, followed by H influenzae (74.9 per cent), S pneumoniae (42.6 per cent) and S aureus (28.7 per cent). M catarrhalis and P aeruginosa were only found in a few patients, 5.6 per cent and 0.8 per cent respectively.

CONCLUSION

Colonisation of the tonsillar surface and core has been found. Potentially pathogenic micro-organisms are likely to be missed based on a throat swab. Hence, the practice of surface tonsillar swabbing may be misleading or insufficient.

Retropharyngeal, Parapharyngeal and Peritonsillar Abscesses

Deep neck infections (DNIs) include all the infections sited in the potential spaces and fascial planes of the neck within the limits of the deep layer of the cervical fascia. Parapharyngeal and retropharyngeal infections leading to parapharyngeal abscess (PPA) and retropharyngeal abscess (RPA) are the most common. DNIs remain an important health problem, especially in children. The aim of this narrative review is to describe the management of peritonsillar, retropharyngeal and parapharyngeal abscesses in pediatric age. Despite relatively uncommon, pediatric DNIs deserve particular attention as they can have a very severe course and lead to hospitalization, admission to the intensive care unit and, although very rarely, death. They generally follow a mild upper respiratory infection and can initially present with signs and symptoms that could be underestimated. A definite diagnosis can be made using imaging techniques. Pus collection from the site of infection, when possible, is strongly recommended for definition of diseases etiology. Blood tests that measure the inflammatory response of the patient may contribute to monitor disease evolution. The therapeutic approach should be targeted toward the individual patient. Regardless of the surgical treatment, antibiotics are critical for pediatric DNI prognosis. The diagnostic-therapeutic procedure to be followed in the individual patient is not universally shared because it has not been established which is the most valid radiological approach and which are the criteria to be followed for the differentiation of cases to be treated only with antibiotics and those in which surgery is mandatory. Further studies are needed to ensure the best possible care for all children with DNIs, especially in this era of increased antimicrobial resistance.