No abstract

No abstract

The results of unilateral immediate tonsillectomy, as the routine treatment of peritonsillar abscess, were studied in 47 patients with no previous history of serious tonsillitis. The follow-up was carried out between three and four years after operation. The incidence of tonsillitis in the contralateral tonsil remained unchanged and peritonsillar abscess did not occur in that tonsil. Symptoms of pharyngitis, periodic or chronic, were present in three patients only. This was found to be significantly lower than that found in the literature in a similar group of patients in whom bilateral immediate tonsillectomy had been performed. The results are discussed and the authors recommend unilateral immediate tonsillectomy in cases of peritonsillar abscess in all patients with no previous history of serious tonsillitis, as this apparently prevents the troublesome side-effects of chronic pharyngitis.

A case of benign intracranial hypertension occurring in an 11-year-old boy, and due to lateral sinus obstruction, is reported. Computerized tomographic scan was conclusive, revealing a normal ventricular system and no evidence of a neoplastic lesion. Disappearance of the mastoid air cells and disruption of the trabecular pattern were also shown on the affected side. The diagnosis was confirmed at operation, and the course was favourable. In accordance with other studies cited, our findings suggest that patients suspected of benign intracranial hypertension can be spared invasive neuroradiological procedures if the computerized tomographic scan of the head is normal.

No abstract