Incision is in this country so far the most frequent approach in peritonsillar abscesses (PTA). In western countries in recent years in the treatment of PTA aspiration puncture (AP) combined with antibiotic treatment is preferred. AP is performed at the site of maximum bulging of the abscess, if necessary, several punctures are made. In the majority of patients one puncture is sufficient. AP can be repeated or supplemented, as required, by incision or tonsillectomy. The advantage of AP is very good tolerance by the patients, high effectiveness (cure in 80 - 95 %) and very low costs of treatment. Patients treated by AP do not require hospital admission. Due to the simplicity of the procedure it can, if necessary, be performed also by general practitioners (western countries). A first PTA is usually not an indication for tonsillectomy. Relapsing PTA or PTA in patients with frequent tonsillopharyngitis in the case-history are indicated for bilateral tonsillec- tomy, hot tonsillectomy being best.

        Key words: peritonsillar abscess, aspiration puncture, incision, tonsillectomy.