2016 Volume 26 Issue 1 Pages 13-17
Deep neck abscesses are often seen in ENT practice and can become a life-threatening disease if not diagnosed promptly or not treated properly. Airway management including tracheotomy is also required when the patients show ongoing tracheal stenosis. On the other hand, this surgical treatment often causes postoperative complications. The aim of this study was to analyze the indications for tracheotomy in patients with deep neck abscesses. We retrospectively analyzed the clinical characteristics of the patients with deep neck abscesses who were treated with tracheotomy in our department between 2006 and 2014. The patients comprised 14 males and 13 females ranging in age from 0 to 85 years. The results showed that edema in the trachea and a high amount of CRP of 20 mg/dl or higher were risk factors for tracheotomy. An abscess without extension located under the hyoid bone was a main factor for surgery.
