A re-evaluation of the role of tracheostomy in Ludwig's angina.
Ten cases of Ludwig's angina that required surgical decompression in addition to intravenous antibiotic therapy are reviewed. The vocal cords were visualized in all ten patients following deep inhalational anesthesia to relieve trismus. Only one case required tracheostomy, which has previously been recommended as the treatment of choice for airway management; the other nine were intubated under direct vision.
D000328:Adult; D000402:Airway Obstruction / Q000517:prevention & control*; D000768:Anesthesia, General / Q000379:methods; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004322:Drainage; D005260:Female; D005491:Focal Infection, Dental / Q000150:complications; D006801:Humans; D007442:Intubation, Intratracheal; D008158:Ludwig's Angina / Q000150:complications* / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D014140:Tracheotomy
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents