[Parapharyngeal phlegmon as a complication after tonsillectomy].

Authors wanted to draw attention to possibility of dangerous postoperative complications when the clinical manifestation of reactivation Herpes simplex virus infection develops during the postoperative period. We report a case of parapharyngeal phlegmon following tonsillectomy in a previously healthy 18-year old woman. On postoperative day six signs of Herpes simplex virus infection were presented in our patient. Hypoimmunity causing reactivation of virus led to evolution of septicemia and extended parapharyngeal phlegmon. Management involved parapharyngeal space drainage, broad spectrum antibiotics and gammaglobulin coverage. Treatment was successful. The patient was discharged in good condition in the fourth week of her admission.