Phlegmons of the face and neck

Abstract

1. 1. The mouth is a favorable breeding place for pathogenic organisms. Any hygienic improvement of the mouth previous to surgical interference will reduce the numbers of organisms and increase local tissue resistance. 2. 2. Surgical trauma reduces local resistance; surgery provides opportunity for invasion of organisms into deep tissues. 3. 3. Once invasion has occurred, the dissemination of infection depends on (a) the virulence of the organism, (b) the resistance of the host locally and generally. 4. 4. If infection occurs, it will tend to localize in the fascial compartments. 5. 5. Proper drainage of these compartments will depend greatly on the surgeon's familiarity with their anatomical construction. 6. 6. Correctly timed and adequately designed incisions for drainage are necessary. 7. 7. Local and general supportive treatments are essential; hospitalization is usually wise. 8. 8. Medicodental cooperation is most desirable.