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Gurov A.V.

Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University;
Sverzhevsky Research Clinical Institute of Otorhinolaryngology

Lapchenko A.A.

Pirogov City Clinical Hospital No. 1

Magomedov M.M.

Pirogov City Clinical Hospital No. 1

Khalifaeva D.Z.

Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University;
Pirogov City Clinical Hospital No. 1

Current issues of diagnosis and treatment of paratonsillar and parapharyngeal abscesses

Authors:

Gurov A.V., Lapchenko A.A., Magomedov M.M., Khalifaeva D.Z.

More about the authors

Journal: Russian Bulletin of Otorhinolaryngology. 2026;91(1): 55‑63

DOI: 10.17116/otorino20269101155

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Table of contents

CURRENT ISSUES OF DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT OF PARATONSILLAR AND PARAPHARYNGEAL ABSCESSES
CURRENT ISSUES OF DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT OF PARATONSILLAR AND PARAPHARYNGEAL ABSCESSES

To cite this article:

Gurov AV, Lapchenko AA, Magomedov MM, Khalifaeva DZ. Current issues of diagnosis and treatment of paratonsillar and parapharyngeal abscesses. Russian Bulletin of Otorhinolaryngology. 2026;91(1):55‑63. (In Russ.)
https://doi.org/10.17116/otorino20269101155

Подписка 2026 Вестник оториноларингологии (Russian Bulletin of Otorhinolaryngology)
МСФ на ЯМ
Использование инфографики авторами научных работ
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Abstract:

Parapharyngeal abscess is a purulent inflammation of the tissue of the parapharyngeal space, often occurring as a complication of paratonsillar abscess. Parapharyngeal abscess refers to deep abscesses of the neck and is characterized by suppuration of loose tissue of the parapharyngeal space. The pathogenesis of the parapharyngeal abscess includes direct and lymphogenous spread of the inflammatory process from the primary focus. When a phlegmonous inflammatory process occurs in the parapharyngeal space, the patient experiences severe pain when swallowing, which radiates to the ear and increases when swallowing, and the patient’s head is forced to tilt towards the pathological process. A painful lump appears in the angle of the lower jaw. Computed tomography is the “gold standard” for the instrumental diagnosis of parapharyngeal abscess. To date, there is no consensus on the optimal treatment strategy for patients with paratonsillar abscess complicated by parapharyngeal abscess. Certain issues, including the choice of surgical approach, remain controversial in clinical practice.

Keywords:

paratonsillitis
parapharyngitis
sore throat

Authors:

Gurov A.V.

Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University;
Sverzhevsky Research Clinical Institute of Otorhinolaryngology

Lapchenko A.A.

Pirogov City Clinical Hospital No. 1

Magomedov M.M.

Pirogov City Clinical Hospital No. 1

Khalifaeva D.Z.

Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University;
Pirogov City Clinical Hospital No. 1

Received:

18.08.2025

Accepted:

17.11.2025

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