Summary of 29 cases of deep neck infections

The occurrence of deep neck infections has decreased with the advent of antibiotic therapy. However, treatment still requires careful consideration, since delays in treatment may cause severe complications, such as septic shock or DIC leading to death. Twenty-nine patients with deep neck infections treated at our hospital between 1990 and 1999 are reviewed. Surgeries were performed in 24 of the 29 cases. Six out of seven cases of mediastinitis secondary to a deep neck infection exhibited a good recovery. The remaining case had received conservative treatments for a deep neck infection and systemic disease, such as diabetes, at another hospital that ultimately contributed to the death of the patient. These results support the conclusion that appropriate surgical treatment in combination with antibiotic therapy is essential for the control of systemic disease.