Peritonsillar Abscess Incision and Drainage

As discussed, once a peritonsillar abscess is highly suspected or diagnosed, then drainage of the abscess needs to be performed. This can be achieved using a variety of methods: aspiration only, incision only and aspiration plus incision. Studies have shown that there is no significantly superior method. This video shows an example of needle aspiration plus incision and drainage.

Flexible Nasendoscopy - Instructional Video

Flexible nasendoscopy is a quick and accurate test to assess for upper airway pathology. It may be used to investigate a wide variety of signs and symptoms including: 

• Nasal obstruction or masses
• Odynophagia, dysphagia
• Dysphonia
• Globus or reflux symptoms
• Neck mass or pain
• Otalgia
• Foreign bodies 
• Bleeding

It is always useful to warn the patient that the procedure may be uncomfortable. Also, a topical lignocaine spray is often used which is bitter and can cause an allergic reaction.

The next step is to apply anti-fogging solution to the lens of the scope (saliva from the patient's tongue works very well). You are now ready to start the procedure.

This video demonstrates what you can see in a healthy volunteer.

Flexible Nasendoscopy - Abnormal Findings

This video contains a collection of upper airway pathology from the nasopharynx down to the vocal folds.