title: Challenging airways in deep neck space infections.
abstract: Skilful airway management is critical in deep neck space infections. Although relatively uncommon, this spectrum of disease presents a clinical challenge for otolaryngologists and anesthetists. There is currently no universal agreement on the ideal method of airway control for these patients because this depends on various factors including available local expertise and equipment. We review the literature and discuss the available options of airway management in these head and neck emergencies. Special consideration is given to awake fiberoptic intubation and tracheotomy under local anesthesia. Relevant anatomy, route of spread and microbiology of deep neck space infections are also briefly discussed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology, Royal Liverpool University Hospital, Liverpool, UK. pkarkos@aol.com
authors.forename: Peter D
authors.initials: PD
authors.lastname: Karkos
authors.forename: Samuel C
authors.initials: SC
authors.lastname: Leong
authors.forename: Helen
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Beer
authors.forename: Maria T
authors.initials: MT
authors.lastname: Apostolidou
authors.forename: Alessandro
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Panarese
mesh_terms: D000402:Airway Obstruction / Q000382:microbiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006801:Humans; D007442:Intubation, Intratracheal; D009333:Neck; D018461:Soft Tissue Infections / Q000382:microbiology / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy*