Head and neck space infections.
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.


METHODS
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.


CONCLUSIONS
DNSI needs early detection and aggressive management in order to evade dreaded complications.
Larawin
Varqa
V
Department of Ear, Nose, and Throat, Port Moresby General Hospital, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Papua, New Guinea.
Naipao
James
J
Dubey
Siba P
SP
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D006257:Head; D006784:Hospitals, Teaching / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007223:Infant; D007239:Infections / Q000150:complications / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology; D008158:Ludwig's Angina / Q000453:epidemiology; D009333:Neck; D010219:Papua New Guinea / Q000453:epidemiology; D017703:Retropharyngeal Abscess / Q000453:epidemiology; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013364:Submandibular Gland Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology*