RESUMO
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Deep neck space infections, which affect soft tissues and fascial components of the head and neck, were frequently encountered in the preantibiotic era, but their frequency has been remarkably reduced after the development of chemotherapeutic agents and antibiotics. However, they may still result in significant morbidity and mortality despite the use of chemotherapeutic agents and antibiotics. The purposes of this study has been to assess clinical findings and the effectiveness of the treatment of deep neck infection through statistical analysis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective study was performed on 86 cases of deep neck space infections in patients admitted for diagnosis and treatment during a 9-year period from January 1988 to December 1996. RESULTS: All cases were treated with either conservative treatment only as in 47 cases (55%), or surgical drainage and antibiotics as in 33 cases (33%), or surgical drainage with tracheostomy and antibiotics as in 6 cases (7%). At the end of the treatment, 83 cases were cured of the disease and 3 cases were reported to have complications. CONCLUSION: We concluded that treatment of deep neck infection requires knowledge of the natural history of the disease and a detailed understanding of anatomy. Management guidelines include (1) hospitalization, (2) culture and sensitivity tests, (3) antibiotic therapy, (4) diagnostic radiographic procedures, and (5) surgical intervention.