Deep Neck Abscess : Clinical Review in Phichit Hospital

Abstract

Objective : To study Deep neck  abscess  patients                                                              

Method : A retrospective  descriptive study of 71 patients presented with Deep neck abscess were  treated  in  Phichit Hospital  during  October  1,  2000  to  September 30, 2003.Source  of  infection, fascial space of  infection, symptoms, type of organisms, and  management  were  analyzed.

Result : There were 71 patients, aged range from 3 month  to 76  years old. The mean age of patients were 38 years. The male and female ratio was 3:2. Odontogenic (dental) infection was  the most  common cause.The majority of spaces that involement are submandibular space (35.2%), peritonsillar space (16.7%), and masticator space (15.4%). The most common symptom was neck pain and swelling. All  patient  were  treated  by  parenteral antibiotic and surgical drainage. The most common   organism    was        Streptococcus  group.The complication found 9 patients from upper airway obstruction,aspirated  pneumonia,and suppurative mediastinitis and 2          patients died  from complication.

Conclusion : Infection of deep neck is considered life-threatening. Dental  infection  was  the  most common  factor and  submandibular space was the most common site of infection.Common  organisms isolated are Streptococcus group and  Staphylococcus. Treatment should  consist of parenteral  antibiotic and adequate surgical drainage. The morbility and  mortality rates have decreased by appropiate treatment and prevented  complication such as upper airway obstruction and suppurative mediastinitis.