F Glynn1, L J Skinner, N Riley, M Donnelly. 1. Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Waterford Regional Hospital, Waterford, Ireland. fglynn@rcsi.ie
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: To demonstrate a potentially life-threatening complication following tonsillectomy in a diabetic patient and discuss the possible pathogenesis. METHODS: Case report and review of the world literature concerning parapharyngeal abscess post-tonsillectomy. CASE REPORT: A 20-year-old female patient underwent an uneventful tonsillectomy following a history of recurrent tonsillitis. She re-presented 14 days post-surgery with a large erythematous tender right mid cervical neck swelling. Clinical and radiological evaluation confirmed a parapharyngeal abscess. She proceeded to have an incision and drainage of the abscess through a horizontal skin crease incision and subsequent intravenous antibiotic therapy. She was discharged home well three days post-surgery. CONCLUSION: Diabetes mellitus is a well-recognised systemic disease that may leave an individual more susceptible to infection. We report the first case in a young healthy diabetic patient and highlight a potential serious complication following a routine tonsillectomy.
OBJECTIVES: To demonstrate a potentially life-threatening complication following tonsillectomy in a diabeticpatient and discuss the possible pathogenesis. METHODS: Case report and review of the world literature concerning parapharyngeal abscess post-tonsillectomy. CASE REPORT: A 20-year-old female patient underwent an uneventful tonsillectomy following a history of recurrent tonsillitis. She re-presented 14 days post-surgery with a large erythematous tender right mid cervical neck swelling. Clinical and radiological evaluation confirmed a parapharyngeal abscess. She proceeded to have an incision and drainage of the abscess through a horizontal skin crease incision and subsequent intravenous antibiotic therapy. She was discharged home well three days post-surgery. CONCLUSION:Diabetes mellitus is a well-recognised systemic disease that may leave an individual more susceptible to infection. We report the first case in a young healthy diabeticpatient and highlight a potential serious complication following a routine tonsillectomy.