A study of deep space infections of neck

Abstract

<p class="abstract"><strong>Background:</strong> The objective of the study was to analyse the signs and symptoms, etiology, site and outcome of deep space infections of neck.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Methods:</strong> This was retrospective study and included 50 patients admitted with deep neck space infections to Government Mc Gann teaching hospital SIMS, Shimoga, Karnataka, India between January 2009 – January 2015. </p><p class="abstract"><strong>Results:</strong> The extreme age group, high virulence of organism, underlying clinical conditions, low socioeconomic groups are vulnerable for above infections. Mortality in 3 cases was due to mediastinitis and extended space infection.</p><p><strong>Conclusions:</strong> Deep neck space infection is still a challenging disease in otorhinolaryngology. Early surgical drainage remains the main method of treating deep neck abscesses and conservative medical treatment are effective in selective cases that have minimal cellulitis.</p>