Emergency department visits, hospitalizations, and readmissions of patients with a peritonsillar abscess

Objectives

To determine the demographics and treatment outcomes of patients with a peritonsillar abscess (PTA) and to provide guidance for treatment options.

Methods

The 2012 National Emergency Department Database, 2012 National Inpatient Sample, and 2013 Nationwide Readmissions Database were used to analyze patients with a PTA who presented to emergency departments (ED), were admitted and/or readmitted to hospitals in the United States. Outcomes were used to create a decision model to compare initial medical versus surgical management.

Results

An estimated 62,787 ED visits; 15,095 inpatient admissions; and 267 readmissions for PTA were recorded. The average age was 29 years old, with a slight male predominance. The majority of patients seen in the ED (80%) were treated without surgery and discharged home. Patients admitted to hospital were more likely to undergo surgery (50%). The tonsillectomy rate was 11%. The complication and readmission rates were < 2%. Medical therapy was used more often than surgical therapy in many cases.

Conclusion

Peritonsillar abscess mostly occurs in adults and leads to a significant number of ED visits, admissions, and readmissions. A trial of medical management of PTA appears to be safe, although surgery is highly successful and associated with low morbidity.

Level of Evidence

2c. Laryngoscope, 2017

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