Abscess Tonsillectomy: Preliminary Report

Abstract

Chassaignac, in 1859, described abscess formation in the loose connective tissue between the tonsillar capsule and the pharyngeal wall. He also performed the first abscess tonsillectomy in the same year. His operation, however, fell into disuse. It was not until 30 years later that interest in the treatment of peritonsillar abscess was stimulated by Chiari, who suggested a simple incision for opening “mature” abscesses. Winckler (1911) was the first to suggest the use of tonsillectomy as a routine method, and the name “Father of abscess tonsillectomy” has been applied to him. The advantages and disadvantages of the two methods have later been the subject of much discussion. Methods differing to some extent from these two have been reported. Thus, Levinger suggested a so-called partial tonsillectomy: he removed the upper pole of the tonsil and left the lower pole intact. In Finland, Meurman has used Levinger's method. Loch performed abscess tonsillectomy in two stages. He made a fairly wide incision over the abscess and luxated the tonsil medially, enucleating it a few days later when the virulence of the bacteria had subsided.