Deep neck infections in the antibiotic era
Zietek, E.; Malec, M.
Otolaryngologia Polska 52(1): 5-10
1998
ISSN/ISBN: 0030-6657 PMID: 9591414 Document Number: 491708
The paper presents 43 patients treated between 1971 and 1995 in the Otolaryngology Clinic of the Pomeranian Medical Academy in Szczecin because of deep neck space infections. The authors analyse their own clinical material paying particular attention to the diagnosis, microbiology, patients prognosis and basic therapeutic procedures. Out of the 43 cases, deaths occurred in 3, which denotes 7% mortality rate. The reason for failure was discussed. It was revealed that needle aspiration and sonography were for valuable to identify early abscess formation. The analyses have confirmed that the prognosis of the deep neck space infections is influenced by early diagnosis and prompt, extensive surgical treatment.