Treatment of Peripharyngeal Abscesses by Means of Intra-Oral Puncture-Aspiration and Drainage

Introduction: Parapharyngeal and retropharyngeal abscesses are life-threatening infections, with a much lower incidence since the advent of antibiotics. However, they still represent a considerable number of emergency visits to reference centres where they are managed with various protocols to improve both morbidity and mortality. Patients and methods: Medical records of 25 consecutive patients at our institution (17 adults and 8 children) diagnosed and treated with the same protocol for peripharyngeal abscess were retrospectively reviewed. Results: All cases were managed using a minimally-invasive intra-oral approach, with resolution of the clinical findings and symptoms. Conclusions: Puncture with intra-oral aspiration and/or drainage of peripharyngeal abscesses is an effective option instead of the external approach.