• Prepare an aspiration needle (cut the distal 1 cm off the needle cap and replace the needle cap providing an element of safety)
• Have the patient hold the laryngoscope
• Spray benzocaine to the posterior pharynx
• Identify the most fluctuant area and inject lidocaine with epinephrine (usualy the suprior pole)
• Insert your aspiration needle & syringe into the most prominent area while aspirating
  • Most infections start in the superior pole
  • Second attempt int the middle pole
  • Third and final attempt in the inferior pole
• Then all done
• Observe for 2-4 hours (for bleeding)
• Discharge with antibiotics
• Recheck in 24 hours

Content on this page has not been checked for accuracy. The author's credentials have not been confirmed. Always use multiple peer-reviewed scholarly sources and good clinical judgement in your decision making.

The Compendium platform was created by David Kwinter, MD, CCFP(EM).