Emergency Management of Peritonsillar Abscess in Chile: An Exploratory Systematic Review

Cristóbal Bravo Orellana; Sandra Montero Riffo & Claudio Vicent Ramos

To analyze the clinical, diagnostic, therapeutic aspects, and complications of peritonsillar abscess. Searches were conducted on the EBSCO and Cochrane Library platforms to identify studies on patients with “peritonsillar abscess,” its management, and associated complications. Publications from 2016 onward, in any language, were considered. Additionally, searches were performed on SciELO and Google Scholar to gather information on the management of peritonsillar abscess in Chile and Latin America. Due to limited local information, Spanish-language protocols and books published after 2015 were also included. In total, 36 relevant documents were identified, of which 25 articles in English and Spanish were selected, excluding publications in other languages. This study was conducted following the PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Management of peritonsillar abscess includes antibiotic therapy and/or surgical intervention, either by incision and drainage or needle aspiration. Early diagnosis and treatment, using antibiotic therapy and/or surgical intervention, are essential to prevent disease progression and extension of the abscess into deep cervical spaces.