Subject(s)
Airway Obstruction/surgery , Esophagus , Foreign Bodies/surgery , Pharynx , Tilapia , Adolescent , Adult , Airway Obstruction/etiology , Animals , Child , Esophagus/surgery , Female , Foreign Bodies/complications , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Pharynx/surgery , Young AdultABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the incidence, causes, management, and complications of the different head and neck space infections in a Melanesian population. STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING: We conducted a retrospective study in a tertiary referral and teaching hospital. RESULTS: Of the total 103 patients with deep neck space infections (DNSI), odontogenic causes and suppurative lymphadenitis were responsible in 62 (60%) patients. A wide range of DNSI was encountered in our series. Ludwig's angina was the most commonly encountered infection seen in 38 (37%) patients, whereas prevertebral abscess was only seen in 1 (1%) patient. A combination of surgical drainage and medical treatment was the main mode of treatment. Nine (8.7%) patients with DNSI with upper airway obstruction underwent tracheostomy; 9 (8.7%) patients with DNSI succumbed to their infection. CONCLUSION: DNSI needs early detection and aggressive management in order to evade dreaded complications.
