Utility of transoral pharyngeal ultrasonography for puncture drainage of peritonsillar abscess

Abstract

Key Clinical Message Puncture drainage is usually needed to treat peritonsillar abscess. However, inadvertent carotid artery puncture may result in devastating complications. Preoperative transoral carotid ultrasonography (TOCU) is useful to delineate the anatomical relationship between the abscess and carotid artery. We present a case of peritonsillar abscess illustrating the utility of TOPU for safe drainage.

Keywords

• peritonsillar abscess
• puncture drainage
• transoral ultrasonography