Abscess tonsillectomy; seven hundred twenty-five cases.

Abstract

The first abscess tonsillectomy was performed nearly 100 years ago (1859) by Chassaignac. He also described the course of development of peritonsillar abscess. 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 "ripe" abscesses. Winckler (1911) was the first to suggest the use of tonsillectomy as a routine method, and the appellation "Father of abscess tonsillectomy" has been given to him. The advantages and disadvantages of the two methods have since been the subject of much discussion. Methods differing to some extent from these two have been reported. Thus, Levinger suggested so-called partial tonsillectomy: he removed the upper pole of the tonsil and left the lower pole intact. In Finland, Meurman previously used Levinger's method. Loch performed abscess tonsillectomy in two stages. He made a fairly wide