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Parapharyngeal abscess in an insulin dependant diabetic patient following an elective tonsillectomy

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  19 July 2007

F Glynn ,
L J Skinner ,
N Riley  and
M Donnelly
F Glynn
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Waterford Regional Hospital, Waterford, Ireland.
L J Skinner
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Waterford Regional Hospital, Waterford, Ireland.
N Riley
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Waterford Regional Hospital, Waterford, Ireland.
M Donnelly
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Waterford Regional Hospital, Waterford, Ireland.
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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.

Keywords

Parapharyngeal AbscessTonsillectomyInsulinDiabetes Mellitus
Type
Online Only Clinical Records
Information
The Journal of Laryngology & Otology , Volume 121 , Issue 9 , September 2007 , pp. 1 - 3 , e16
Copyright
2007 JLO (1984) Limited

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