A 35-year-old presents with severe throat pain, trismus, uvular deviation to the left, and left peritonsillar bulging. What is the landmark for needle aspiration to avoid the carotid artery?
- A Through the tonsillar crypt at the lower pole
- B Through the soft palate midline
- C Midway between the uvula base and the upper molar, at the junction of soft palate and anterior pillar at the bulge ✓
- D Through the posterior pillar of the tonsil
Correct answer: C. Midway between the uvula base and the upper molar, at the junction of soft palate and anterior pillar at the bulge
Explanation
Peritonsillar abscess (quinsy) aspiration is performed at the point of maximum fluctuation — at the junction of the soft palate and the anterior tonsillar pillar, in the superior lateral quadrant, at a depth of no more than 1 cm to avoid the internal carotid artery (which is displaced laterally). The needle must not be advanced more than 1 cm and should aspirate before injecting. The carotid sheath lies just posterior and lateral — hence the depth limit.
Reference: Dhingra Diseases of Ear, Nose and Throat, 7th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.