Deep neck infections - complications and surgical treatment

Abstract

Introduction: Deep infections of the neck are potentially life-threatening due to their descending spread towards the mediastinum along cervical fascia planes and possible development of thrombophlebitis of the internal jugular vein and sepsis. Aim: To review the possible complications of the deep neck infections and the methods for surgical treatment. To share our own clinical experience. Material: 29 patients with deep neck infections predominantly of tonsillar or dental origin, treated surgically at the Medical Institute of Ministry of the Interior during the last 5 years. Results: The following complications have been observed: 6 cases of acute respiratory insufficiency; 2 cases of sepsis; 2 - with descending mediastinitis and 1 - with acute hemorrhage from gastric stress ulcer. Conclusions: Early surgical intervention, application of antibiotics against aerobe and anaerobe bacteria and good coordination between otorinolaryngologists, surgeons, ICU and microbiologists is essential for the successful treatment of deep neck infection. Scripta Scientifica Medica 2007;39(1):59-62